Chapter Twenty Five: Starboard

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Oberyn stood on the bow of the ship staring ahead, salt had crusted in his moustache from their time at sea, and the afternoon sun bathed him in a golden glow. Land breached the horizon, and Oberyn squinted to watch it, a slight smile across his face. He drew out the golden necklace which once belonged to his lost niece, holding it up to the sinking sun it twirled in the breeze, sunlight flashing through the fine filigree. Briefly he looked at it in detail, with a widening smile on his face as he remembers interacting with her. He half thinks it was a dream, but inside that fierce part of himself stays strong. It was her, the complete image and fierce likeness of his beloved sister bestowed with the power of riding dragons, his heart swelled with pride. Knowing she was alive heartened him, still clutching the necklace he leaned forward watching the prow cut through the water as the town come into focus. Tucking the necklace away he felt secure feeling it knock against his chest between his shirt, smiling broader as he saw the bewildered faces of Northmen crowding on the dock awaiting his arrival. The ship creaked against the jetty and spurred by the momentum of the movement Oberyn vaulted off the side of the vessel landing lithely on the dock. The northerners close by glared at him as if he had two heads, and he grinned dangerously spinning a poisoned dagger around his fingertips. He knew how to make an entrance. Through the crowd bustled a familiar face, and a smiling man approached carrying several scrolls, they shook hands fiercely.

"What brings you here Oberyn? I have to say this is a surprise visit," he asked anxiously.

"I must see Ned Stark" spoke Oberyn with determination in his thick Dornish accent.

The man blanched slightly, "Ned is hampered with war councils," he lowered his voice," have you heard Cersei declared war on the North?"

Oberyn made a sound of disgust with his voice and threw his arms in the air.

"Why is anyone surprised Jory?"

Jory opened his mouth to speak again but no words came out, and his vision looked straight behind Oberyn to the waiting ship. Rickard and Edric stood with their wolves at their sides, dressed in the furs of their Father's people, they looked regal, formidable and every part northerner.

Oberyn groaned, "I swear these boys have ears that are fucking painted on, do you not understand we need to careful?"

Edric smirked, "would you call that jump off the side of the boat careful?"

Jory Cassell chuckled, "Oberyn, there are no traitors here I can assure you of that. Lord Manderly keeps a tight grip on his town, and traitors are left out to freeze." He turned and pointed up on the side of the castle, there were several frozen bodies swaying in the breeze. Jory shook his head.

"Before this war declaration we had none, then they started coming trying to probe and pry. We weeded them out, now they stopped coming"

Rickard and Edric swallowed at the sight, Jory stepped forward his hand outstretched.

"You boys might not remember me, but I took the voyage to Dorne with your direwolves. I hope they enjoy boats more now they're grown"

"No they still despise being at sea," smiled Rickard accepting the handshake.

"Come up to the castle, let's get you inside with some food and ale. I'll send for Ned, I can't promise he'll come though. He's been in meetings for days"

"Maybe I can be of help," offered Oberyn, "war is after all one of my favourite pastimes"

Jory chuckled, "Everyone has heard stories of your favourite things to do Oberyn"

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Ned breathed in the crisp forest air and looked all around him. Being alone in the wilderness revitalised him, which was sorely needed after countless nights arguing with his banner men about how to respond to the war declaration. Roose Bolton had obviously gathered supporters for launching a full scale attack, but Ned and the others argued that would weaken the North if they left. That instead they should make Cersei come to them, and fight them on familiar territory thus keeping the upper hand. Despite this argument, the voices for leaving the North to fight became louder and Ned reached an impasse. Neither side agreed and they had reached a deadlock of opinions. Every day when Ned prayed to the Old Gods he prayed for a solution, but for the moment the Old Gods were silent. This perplexed Ned, and he followed his gut feeling to not bend to the pressure placed upon him. So he suddenly decided to leave the castle grounds alone on horseback with just Lyarra for company so he might clear his mind. With no one to hear him he spoke to Lyarra about his worries and fears, he felt a weight lift off him as he vented about his fears of betrayal from within the North itself. The wolf just padded along in front of him though, showing no signs she was even comprehending what he had to say. After a long period of walking Ned realised his horse was following the wolf and she was leading him through the forest. He looked around and realised by the landmarks he knew so well from his childhood in these parts he was quite far from Winterfell. The trees opened up and Ned realised where they were, it was one of his favourite places to visit when he was young and spring was in full force. It was a beautiful waterfall which cascaded over sharp rocks and a beautiful stream bubbled away down the hill surrounded by trees and flowers. With the cold now though it was frozen solid and the trees were laden with snow. Lyarra padded over to some rocks to the side of the waterfall and whined, sniffing the rocks she sat on one and watched Ned dismount.

"I haven't been here for years," he muttered to himself as he sat on the snowy rock and pulled out his flask, he took a long sip and gulped down the fiery liquor. He felt it warm his body and uplift his spirits momentarily, he sighed and looked to the ground.

"Lyarra, what am I to do? I feel the pressure is too great and I will have to lead my men into a war outside of the North. Which I don't want to do-"

Ned looked across to the wolf but instead was staring back at his mother, no longer in the form of wolf she sat on the rock and looked around with a smile on her face. Ned was shocked, his mouth gaped open and he didn't know what to say.

"Mother- you are human again"

She met his gaze, "Not for long my son. I must honour our family's pledge and remain in wolf form"

"What pledge?" her words confused Ned tearing him away from the worries in his mind.

"Many years ago, too many to count, our family were bestowed with gifts to help win the war against the dead. As part of that gift we pledged to sacrifice the oldest female of the family to the Old Gods to use as they see fit. I discovered this when I was already very sick, and I made your father promise he would honour it. Surprisingly, he did." Lyarra sighed, "But your Father and brother never embraced what was within them, and they paid for that with their lives. But the rest of you, you, your sister and children have embraced it," she leaned forward and cupped Ned's face, "and the Old Gods are smiling down upon you all because of that"

"I feel the Old Gods have abandoned me," said Ned with a tinge of bitterness in his tone.

"I am here because the Old Gods heard you, I'm here to help you my son. Like always, I'm here"

"I know, and I won't lie I'm still coming to terms with how you're here." Ned looked down at his feet in the patches of snow, "I feel weak, like I'm going to break from the pressure I'm feeling"

"The weakness is killing your strength, which is your gift my son. If you would cast aside your fears and weaknesses you would discover your strength."

Ned breathed out, "Things haunt me daily, how do I erase the image of Elia Martell's body, and the headless bodies of all the men I ordered to die?"

"You can't erase that Ned," said Lyarra sadly, "but you need to embrace what it's showing you. That's how you can be free of these things. Seeing Elia made you sick the way she was so heartlessly killed this showed you compassion, and the order you gave showed you that you can be ruthless. In this world my son, a leader has to have compassion but be ruthless sometimes and that's what you need now. Take charge, be ruthless, focus on the goal but hold onto some compassion because your people still need to be safe. But without being ruthless, you can't beat Cersei and you can't beat the army of the dead. Both are coming, now what will you do?"

Ned listened to his mother, her words made sense to him. He had felt so sad about the way Elia was murdered, she didn't deserve that and he was angry that no one had protected her. And without Stoney Sept they might not have won the war, his ruthlessness was an effective means to an end. It showed his opposition they should be scared of him and his army, and that's what he needed now. Lyarra was right.

"You're right," he said after several minutes of reflection, "but let me ask you something. The children, they all seem to have some sort of talent with something but I can't seem to do anything. I'm losing faith here," he looked at his mother pleadingly.

Lyarra smiled compassionately, "I've already told you son, you have strength. You've just never tried"

Ned looked at his mother and breathed out in exasperation, never tried, that just made him agitated.

"Ned, try" she pointed to the waterfall, "move the ice. It's frozen solid, it's heavy, move it. Use your strength"

Ned pushed up from the rock he sat on and walked through the snow to stand near to the waterfall. He observed the rock and ice and decided on a piece to move. Not really knowing what to do, he raised his right hand and moved it. At first nothing happened, he dropped his hand in defeat. But then he felt a determination wash over him, he raised both hands and crushed his fists out in front of him. Again, nothing happened. He fell to his knees in frustration and yelled out loudly throwing his fist to the ground. From the point of contact with his fist, a long crack quickly spread out on the ground running along the earth all the way up to the wall of ice. Stepping back Ned watched in awe as the ice cracked and groaned loudly, the cracks spreading extremely fast and a large chunk of ice falling from the face of the waterfall. It crashed loudly to the ground and moments later a wall of ice came tumbling to the frozen surface in front of him. Ned scrambled back for fear of being hurt and watched as the chunks of ice came to rest in front of him. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he tried once again to raise the ice using motions with his hands. One of the large pieces of ice trembled and shakily raised up in the air, but it wobbled too fast and crashed back to earth.

"You simply need to practice," Ned heard in his ear. "My job here is done my son"

Ned wheeled around and Lyarra watched him still from the rock she sat on, but returned to the form of a wolf.

"Thank you" He breathed gratefully as he turned back to look at the huge chunks of broken ice all around him.

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Ned panted from the exertion of moving the chunks of ice across the ground, using his body in this way exhausted him quickly. Lyarra watched patiently from the rock as he practiced in front of her. After several minutes Ned retreated to the rock and sat by the wolf, taking out his flask and taking a long swig. He looked across at the wolf, reached out his hand and stroked her side lovingly. Silently he thanked the Old Gods for their help. Ned took in the serenity and peace of the forest and gave a heartfelt sense of gratitude for his Gods. As he breathed out gratefully he heard a whizzing sound, instinctively he ducked and an arrow sailed past his head. Had he not moved it would have struck him through the throat, he growled in anger and turned to look around. He saw several more being loosed, he realised he was under attack.

"Lyarra, help" was all he said as he stood and drew his sword. Quick as a flash the wolf ran into the forest, and moments later Ned heard the gurgling of men getting their throats ripped from their bodies. A shout to his side made Ned turn and charge into the forest, in his anger he brought down a tree on several attackers crushing them beneath the heavy trunk as it fell. Their crumpled limbs stuck out from underneath it in odd angles which made Neds stomach turn.

Ruthless, watch how ruthless I can be he thought to himself. Another arrow whizzed past and Ned followed where it came from, he pulled a dagger from his belt and flicked it into the trees. He heard a yell and crashing as his assailant fell to the forest floor. As he apparoached them he got shoved to the side, with a start he realised they were female. Wide eyed and dressed in rags he immediately recognised, wildling. He slashed at her aggressively as she blocked his attacks. Then another came crashing into his side, but as he raised his sword to bring it down on Ned's head Lyarra appeared and ripped his throat from his body. Ned was sprayed with blood but he simply rolled to the side and advanced on the woman. Another wildling appeared but she shouted at him to stop, Ned ignored her call and flicked another dagger. It spun through the air and hit the wildling in the throat, he fell to the ground clutching his bleeding neck. As his knees touched the forest floor, he was dead. The woman was the only one who remained, she raised her hands and looked fearfully down at Lyarra who was covered in blood stains and blood dripped from her jowls which were bared ready to attack.

"We weren't trying to kill you!" yelled the woman in common tongue, "we were trying to kill them!"

Frantically she pointed, and through the trees Ned saw several men searching the clearing he had just been in. Growling in absolute blind anger, he looked at Lyarra.

"Keep a watch on her," and he glared at the wildling as he silently glided through the forest floor. Careful not to break a twig, Ned used his forest skills to glide from tree to tree. As he came across his assailants he slit their throats and quietly laid them on the forest floor. Finally he broke into the clearing and attacked the remaining three, with a sinking heart he noticed they were Bolton men. Slicing the first one across the legs he brought him to the ground and finished him with a quick slice across the neck. The remaining two engaged and their sword play continued for several minutes, they were younger than Ned and quicker. But Ned was more experienced, one didn't protect himself quick enough and Ned ran him through the gut, pulling out entrails when he pulled back his sword with surprising speed. The last Bolton soldier put up a good sword fight, his footwork was fast and his sword was a blur, but in the end he was shortsighted and didn't see Ned pushing him back into the forest. One quick lunge from Ned and he was impaled on the tree behind him. Ned pulled his dagger, removed the helmet and came face to face with the last survivor.

"You are dying lad, tell me who sent you"

The soldier grimaced in pain but refused to speak.

"Very well, I'll do my duty and finish you then"

The soldier spat at Ned, "One day the skins of you and your children will hang in the Dreadfort". Then he laughed a terrible laugh in Ned's face, before Ned slashed his throat with so much aggression when he was done the soldiers head barely hung from his neck. Still growling, Lyarra forced the wildling woman into the clearing which was littered with bodies, and blood. Ned strode forward and pushed his bloodied dagger to the woman's throat.

"Now you wildling, speak"

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

The journey back to Winterfell was made longer by the wildling woman tethered behind Ned's horse. He knew better than to have her ride with him. Wildlings were known for their wildness and unpredictability, although he had never encountered a female wildling before but he wasn't taking any chances. Surprisingly, the woman handled the terrain with ease and to Ned's surprise didn't stumble once or complain. She did however fix Ned with a glare, so that whenever he looked back at her he felt unnerved. He hid this well though, and returned her glare with a thunderous look of disapproval and so they continued this way all the way back to the castle. Lyarra padded along in front, leading them back to the castle. Every now and then, the wildling woman gave the wolf a nervous glance which Ned noticed when he glanced back once or twice. Ned mulled over in his mind what he would do with the woman when he returned, many northerners despised the wildlings and with all his banner men present he couldn't show weakness. He knew in his heart he might have to execute her. Maybe the Old Gods had sent her as a way to mend the broken relationships which were fracturing the North. Ned wiped some blood from his face as he rode and noted how much was on his hand, with a sigh his mind turned to how he was going to explain returning to Winterfell with Bolton blood on his hands. Without warning, Lyarra veered off the path they were on and continued on into the forest without glancing back. Ned's horse obediently followed and despite trying to turn his horse back to the path it simply ignored Ned's wishes.

"Lyarra," he said commandingly as he knew the wildling was watching. But Lyarra ignored Ned, she just kept padding along.

"That wolf is from the Old Gods," spoke the wildling, "You should respect her"

"Shut up wildling," growled Ned without turning around to address her. In response the wildling woman grinned knowing she had irked him.

As they continued Ned recognised the path they were on, it had just overgrown since he took it last. Lyarra continued through the forest until she reached the walls of the castle and a gate. Ned brushed aside low hanging branches as he approached and was startled to see Bran standing at the gate, supported by Hodor the big simple man who had grown up at Winterfell.

Bran smiled, "You're early"

"We got attacked in the forest," replied Ned gruffly, "Why are you here?"

Bran glanced past his father on horseback and looked directly at the wildling, she met his gaze and her eyes opened wide, she fell to her knees in shock.

"You," she breathed as her face was in disbelief.

Bran didn't reply, he simply smiled.

"You've haunted my dreams for months, I left my home because of you"

"You left your home because you were attacked by the undead" corrected Bran.

Ned looked sharply down at the woman, but she didn't take her eyes off Bran, her mouth was open in shock and she had tears in her eyes. Bran crouched down and met her gaze.

"I'm sorry you lost your mate" he spoke delicately.

Overcome, the woman bowed her head to avoid eye contact while she composed herself. When she raised her head her eyes were red rimmed, but her voice was resolute.

"You brought me here by the Old Gods, you speak with them?"

Bran nodded his head slightly, before standing and beckoning to Hodor to open the gate.

"Come inside Osha," spoke Bran kindly.

"Wait Bran, will you tell me what is going on here? You can't trust wildlings!" spoke Ned incredulously.

"I'll explain everything under the Weirwood Father, it's the safest place in the castle. Please come with us"

Ned wrestled with the idea of letting the wildling inside, and not wanting to look weak in front of her.

"Father," pressed Bran, "i invited her, she's a guest of mine and the Old Gods. She has guest right, let me explain" He indicated the now open castle gate to his Father.

Osha turned to face Ned and bowed slightly, "Listening is not weakness Lord Stark, please I mean no harm"

Ned was still sceptical especially after her outrageous explanation of dreams and three eyed crows telling her to come to Winterfell.

Still with misgivings, Ned followed Bran, Osha and Hodor through the gate into the Godswood with Lyarra following behind.

Bran led the group to the Weirwood, Ned dismounted and handed his horse to a waiting stable hand. It seemed Bran had everything covered.

"I'll be discreet with your horse Lord Stark," spoke the stable boy respectfully as he lead his ride away.

Ned turned to Bran, "Start speaking son, I need to understand what's going on here"

Bran placed a hand on his wolf, Summer, who had come to sit by his side.

"Father, the lands beyond the Wall are no longer safe. And that threat will come for us here. Osha's village was attacked, and only she survived. Everyone she knew, her mate, family, friends, children were taken by the army of the dead. She survived because she's the only one who listened to my warning"

"Why are you trying to save wildlings son?" said Ned with a nasty tone.

"Father," admonished Bran, "Wildlings are our people too. They worship the same gods as us. They went beyond the Wall thousands of years ago from our families. Every northern family has relatives beyond the Wall. It's time to remember what has been forgotten and stop the fighting"

"It's not going to be easy to convince that to the other Houses. Even I'm skeptical after so many years of ingrained hatred"

"It goes both ways," returned Osha nastily, "We have been cast aside and attacked for years when we just want to live in peace and raise our families-"

At the mention of family and despite herself, her voice broke with emotion. Ned sighed and dropped his head thinking what to do next.

"Why did you invite a wildling to Winterfell Bran?"

Bran smiled in response, "Do you trust me Father?"

Ned looked up to meet his sons gaze, and noted the harnesses strapped around his damaged legs which allowed his son to stand and walk. All of which Bran said came to him in a vision, and he remembered how he called Ros a very good spy and new member of the Stark family to their aid. Ned sighed again.

"Son," he started gently, "I trust you but whatever you're planning i can't guarantee I'll agree with"

"I'm going north of the Wall, I need Osha to take me" replied Bran bluntly.

"There is no way-" protested Ned but Bran stepped forward and spoke very quietly, "Wolves and dragons must protect the Realm Father. Don't you remember Old Nans words all those years ago?"

His gaze pierced into Ned's and for several moments they shared a charged look. Suddenly Ned's eyes welled in tears and he struggled with himself.

"Father you're not going to lose me" spoke Bran gently, "I will return"

"How do you know that?" blurted Ned, "I've already lost one child! I won't lose a second!"

"Father, Arya is alive-"

"Where is she then?! Why can't we find her!"

"Because she doesn't want to be found, wherever she is she's meant to be there. I'm sorry Father I don't know what else to tell you"

Osha stood back, her eyes flickering from father and son. Ned took a deep breath.

"I don't know how I can convince your mother-" he began with some difficulty, "She won't allow another child to disappear-"

"Let me handle mother," said Bran gently, "In the meantime, Osha is my guest"

Ned looked to the wildling woman, "Get on your knees"

Cautiously and not taking her eyes off Ned, she obliged, her hands trembling slightly as she rested them amongst the roots of the tree to support herself. At his hip, Ned unclipped a dagger and spun it over in his fingers handing Osha the hilt.

"You know what to do, in front of Gods and men make an offering and pledge your loyalty to my family. Until you do that, I won't trust you. If you break it, it'll be your life, which you know"

Nodding she seriously took the dagger and sliced across her arm with it, leaving a bright red cut which swelled with beads of blood. Slowly it poured onto the Weirwood roots where it welled for a moment before being absorbed by the tree.

"I, Osha, declare my loyalty and allegiance to House Stark. I uphold my loyalty until my death"

She's returned to blood dripping dagger to Ned, offering him the hilt. With a look of approval on his face he accepted the dagger back, he in turn wiped the excess on the roots at his feet. The smudges remained there momentarily before disappearing.

"Now pledge it to the Old Gods in the tongue of your people" he said still with a serious tone to his voice.

Obediently, Osha bowed her head and was silent for several minutes. Ned and Bran waited patiently, as she lifted her head the branches of the Weirwood swayed side to side slightly despite there being no breeze. Ned nodded his head once in approval.

"The Old Gods accept your pledge," he leaned forward and offered Osha his hand, she accepted despite it being bloodied.

"The men in this castle won't take kindly to having a wildling as a guest," spoke Ned to Osha, "It'll be best for all if they believe you to be a servant to Bran"

Ned looked to his son for support, Bran nodded.

"We will take her to see Old Nan, she will help us get Osha some clothes to blend in amongst the staff"

Osha tried to protest but Bran approached her, "Believe me when I say you don't want these men to know you're here"

Defiantly Osha stared down Bran, "After what I've seen none of these men scare me"

Ned admired her in that moment, and excused himself with Lyarra to wash the blood and mud from his face under the Weirwood tree. He observed Bran lead Osha into the castle and sat with Lyarra at the waters edge. He looked at his tired face in the reflection and scooped up some water to clean himself. Once he was satisfied he turned and faced the tree gazing at its face.

"How am i going to put a lid on this bloody Bolton rebellion?" he asked before going into the castle grounds with Lyarra trailing behind

GBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Ned warily trudged into his offices and sat down in front of the fire with Lyarra by his side when Maester Lewin knocked and entered. His face was drawn and Ned knew he was worrying about something. Tiredly he smiled at his Maester.

"Maester, I've had a day. What worries you?"

Maester Lewin went to hand Ned a scroll but drew his hand back, instead he leaned forward and seemed to squint intently for a moment before wiping blood from Ned's neck. He showed Ned his finger.

"Whose blood is this Ned?" he asked with worry in his voice.

Ned released his breath hard and paused before talking giving the Maester a charged look. He hesitated before speaking finally and spoke stiffly, "I was ambushed in the Wolfswood, multiple attackers. Mostly Bolton men. We killed them all"

Ned dropped his hand onto Lyarra, she lifted her head in response and the Maesters gaze flicked to the wolf, he noticed the blood stains down the sides of her face staining her fur.

Maester Lewin's face went white, "Ambushed? By the Bolton's" He sighed, "That explains this afternoon then"

"Explains what?" asked Ned sharply.

"More Bolton men arrived today, and they seemed very agitated when you returned" spoke Maester Lewin ominously.

Ned mulled this information over as he heard it.

"I need whiskey" He replied shortly, and immediately Maester Lewin turned around and poured Ned a glassful. Ned accepted and drank deeply.

"What am i to do with these Bolton's? They're always in the background scheming"

"Traitors need to be dealt with sooner rather than later" warned Maester Lewin.

Ned took another long sip and felt he needed a chance of conversation, "You have news, what is it?"

The Maester produced the scroll, "Oberyn Martell arrived in White Harbour today..."

Ned took the scroll, and the Maester continued, "...with some guests"

Ned unrolled the scroll and sat up immediately only hearing half the message, "Oberyn?"

"I warned you Ned that your family's secrets would bring more harm than good. And now with the Bolton's, things can't get any worse!"

The Maester threw up his arms dramatically as he spoke.

"This is good Maester, the Old Gods have answered me" spoke Ned as his eyes keenly read the scroll.

Maester Lewin rolled his eyes, even after all these years he still couldn't wrap his head around the Northerners Old Gods.

"Oberyn is exactly what I need, bring him here" said Ned decisively not finishing the remainder of the scroll.

"And what of the boys? There's too much turmoil here to bring two unknown Stark boys to Winterfell. Oberyn thrives in turmoil but these boys can't get wrapped up in this Bolton situation"

"Boys?" returned Ned confused.

"Read the rest of the scroll lad!" snapped the Maester in fruatration, he immediately realised he spoke out of turn and blanched hoping Ned hadnt heard it. Ned had already unrolled to scroll again and read the remainder. Ned's mouth had dropped open slightly.

"What will I tell Lady Stark my Lord?" questioned the Maester delicately.

Ned seemed frozen, his mouth was open and he read the scroll again. All he muttered was, "My son is here"

"Yes Ned he's here, with Oberyn, now what will I tell Lady Stark?" he knelt down and forced Ned to meet his gaze. For a moment Ned looked lost but when he caught the Maesters gaze he steeled himself and stood.

"Tell her I have important business in White Harbour, and to not let anyone in until I return. Shut the gates until I say otherwise"

Maester Lewin nodded, "Very good, I will see to her immediately"

"Ensure her safety Maester" said Ned in a serious tone, in return his Maester appeared clearly flustered, but Ned broke into a smile and clapped Maester Lewin across the shoulders.

"How are you happy Ned? You almost died today!" Exclaimed his loyal Maester.

"I feel more alive than ever Maester. I learnt a lot today, and my youngest born has come North"

"Ned," began Maester Lewin," I hoped to never have this conversation but I fear your marriage won't survive this. Cat won't understand-"

"She won't understand what?! That I wed her while pregnant with my brothers son to save her shame? That I shunned the love of my life and my son to keep the marriage pact my dead father made to Lord Tully? Please Maester, of all the people in this castle I'm the last one you need to remind of the sacrifices I made for my duty. But I will not deny my blood the chance to speak with and know me, I am Warden of the North and dammit if I will rule as I see fit. Which I will do with or without her support" the words tumbled out of Ned's mouth without abandon, which came as a shock to him as much as the Maester's.

Maester Lewin paused before continuing shakily, "I respect you for speaking truthfully my Lord. I support whatever you decide"

Maester Lewin nervously sunk into a seat and startled when he came to face Lyarra, he still wasn't used to the big direwolf. Ned stood, now thinking how to get to White Harbour, he needed to see Oberyn privately and meet these boys who were his son and nephew. He rubbed the stubble on his chin thoughtfully, and looked around the room in thought, after a moment his gaze rested on Lyarra.

"Lyarra, got any suggestions?" he asked, half joking.

The wolf yawned loudly and slowly stood stretching her large body. She walked over to the door and turned back to look at Ned, he heard in his mind follow.

Ned shrugged and looked to Maester Lewin, "Keep my men informed here, ensure there are extra patrols and those Bolton's are under control. Tell the banner men you know I trust what's happening. And please tell Lord Bolton I'll see him privately at noon in front of the Heart Tree"

Maester Lewin nodded, still looking nervous. Ned simply nodded gravely and opened the door as Bran tried to open it simultaneously. Bran looked like he'd been rushing his face was flushed and he had a sheen of sweat on his face, the shock of running into Ned made his legs weaken and his leg harnesses buckle. Ned quickly grabbed his son preventing him crumpling to the floor.

"Father! You're still here! I need to give you this-" spoke Bran breathlessly, not caring he almost fell. Osha stepped forward from the side and handed Ned some items.

Ned accepted them in confusion, "Arya's clothes and training sword? Why are you giving me this?"

Memories of his daughter flowed into his mind, causing a tumult of emotions he couldn't control. Bran gripped his Fathers arm reassuringly.

"My brother, and cousin. When you meet them use their gifts Father. They can find Arya"

Despite knowing about Bran's gift of sight, Ned was still shocked he knew so much and he hesitated to take Arya's belongings. He remained frozen on the spot.

"Father, I know everything. Please just go"

Without a word, Ned accepted Arya's belongings, pushed down the emotions they raised within him and charged after Lyarra. Bran and Osha watched him disappear down into the shadows down the dark dark hall.

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Lyarra silently pass through the castle grounds, Ned following behind looking as if he is going somewhere. Every now and then he stops to speak with one of his men, and converses a little before continuing to follow Lyarra. Unexpectantly she sits at the door to the crypt, puzzled for a moment Ned hesitates and looks around. All is quiet, he opens the heavy door and Lyarra bursts inside, hurrying down the stairs. Heaving a torch from the wall Ned follows, shielding his face from the smoke stinging his eyes from the torch. The light from the torch is poor, he can only see a metre in front of him and the shape of Lyarra padding along in the darkness. Faint light punctuates the darkness and they wander past dozens of candles lit in front of his family's statues. The torch light throws flickering light across the statues of his brother, father and sister. Lyarra whines a little as they pass through.

"I know, we shouldn't have lost them," muttered Ned as they continue down the tunnel.

Lyarra continued leading him through the darkness, past remains of Stark members from the past, still holding their rusting swords at attention. Ned looked at the worn faces of their statues and felt saddened, he realised one day they would all have a statue of their own. And he got lost in an idea to rejuvenate the old statues, give them repairs to their faces, new swords. Commit to honouring those who came before him by respecting their tombs and not letting them rot in obscurity. He became so deep in his thoughts and plans he missed Lyarra make a sudden turn, he noticed her form wasn't ahead in the darkness. A sudden Yelp behind him made him spin around in the dark, his heart hammering and hand ready to go on the sword. Spinning he held out his torch looking for her, and saw her head poking out from between two crypts before disappearing between them again. Ned followed, shimmying between the crypts as the statues and their resting place were situated close together. Lyarra passed through no problem, Ned however had to manoeuvre between them and when he emerged to see Lyarra waiting he grimaced. She simply looked up and Ned followed her with the torch, the light revealed an intricate weirwood carving along the length of the wall.

Lyarra walked along the wall past the carving and nudged the wall with her nose, and looked back up at Ned.

Break here, he heard in his mind.

Ned was a bit perplexed, he had the ability to move things but since he was attacked hadn't tried again. He worried nothing would happen, but not wanting to avoid trying he hitched the flaming torch in a holder and stared at the wall. He stared at the wall for a moment, it was blank and stared back at him. He noted the intricate carvings had finished and the wall was rough, putting his hand out he felt the wall. It was cold, and earthy. He pushed and the wall and felt movement under his hand, feeling renewed energy he stepped back from the wall and focused. He imagined the wall crumbling away, opening up what was beyond to them. Clumps of the wall began to fall forward at Ned's feet, he took a deep breath and focused more pushing the wall away with his mind. He watched as it fell away with ease, he grinned but knew the wall was soft and he was getting tired.

Light burst in from beyond and Ned pushed the rest of the wall away so they could enter, Lyarra hopped through first and Ned struggled through after. He had made an opening big enough for Lyarra but his large form needed to dig through the hole a bit making him dirty in the process. He emerged in a cave which was encase entirely in the roots of the Weirwood tree. In the centre was a still pool of water and amongst the tree roots was a shimmering blue light. Lyarra had come to sit at the edge of the pool gazing up at the light, Ned came to stand by her side.

"I'm going to need help here Lyarra, what is this" spoke Ned, he looked up at the light and back to Lyarra. Suddenly, the tree roots slithered aside and the blue light enlarged. Without a sideways glance to Ned, Lyarra crouched down and leapt across the pool disappearing inside the shimmering blue light.

Ned's mouth gaped open, "Can today get any stranger" he chuckled and he walked back a few paces and took a run to follow Lyarra through the shimmering light. Ned was surprised to find he was momentarily wading through the light before he saw another bright light ahead of him and he leapt through it. Immediately he was brought out of the light and tumbling to the ground in front of him. He fell from the uneven terrain underneath him and realised they were weirwood roots. Looking up, he came face to face with two wolves the colour of sand, they bounded over Ned jumping and licking. Ned laughed and submitted, surprised at their vigour after not seeing him for many years. He remembered these pups well, and after they finished with him they went to their mother Lyarra who gently greeted them with sniffs and licks. Ned stood shaking the fur and mud off himself and looked around, with a start he saw two young boys an equal mixture of House Stark and House Dayne with Oberyn standing between them.

"How did you do that?" marvelled Oberyn, with a smirk on his face his hand outstretched for Ned's.

"If i tell you I'll have to kill you," returned Ned with a smirk accepting Oberyns hand. Oberyn pulled Ned close and spoke dangerously.

"I'm famously hard to kill"

Ned laughed, "And famously bad tempered too"

Both men laughed for the moment, Ned caught the glance of the boys standing to Oberyn's side. He felt nervous, meeting his son with Ashara and nephew for the first time. Seeing his son with Ashara made Ned's heart ache. The boys stepped forward and Ned's heart raced, unsure of what to say he simply embraced the boys one at a time and said, "Welcome to the North lads, there's a lot that needs to be said but for now I'm just glad you're here"

To Ned's surprise, Lord Manderly had sent some men to erect a tent for Ned and Oberyn in the Godswood, inside the four men sat around a large table covered with ale and northern fare. For an impromptu visit it was surprisingly organised.

"How did you know I was coming?" asked Ned curiously as he looked around the tent.

Oberyn held up a scroll, "Lord Manderly received this yesterday, seems your son has quite the gift"

Ned opened the scroll to read Bran's hurried handwriting, he could just imagine Bran in the rookery scribbling his note in fear of getting caught. He was puzzled why Lord Manderly would pay heed to a letter from his Lords son, until he read the bottom of the letter detailing the future of his House. Ned blanched as he read some of the details Bran included, but he knew they had gotten the Lords attention and forced him to spring into action. Rolling up the scroll he flicked it across the table to Oberyn who tucked it away. Ned breathed out deeply and clenched his hands together, his gaze flicking over to the boys waiting patiently.

"I knew this day was coming lads, I just didn't know it would be so soon or in the middle of me planning to go to war."

Oberyn sat up and leaned forward eagerly when Ned mentioned the War.

"As happy as I am to finally meet you both, the North is not safe at the moment for anyone with the name Stark. And I have to implore you to leave-"

Rickard began to protest but Edric placed a hand on his brothers arm, calming him.

"Apologies if I'm speaking out of turn Father," began Edric tightly as he was not used to addressing someone who was his Father, "we were lead here for a reason. Surely we have a part to play"

Ned's gaze rested on his son for several moments, and he smiled fondly at the boy who so perfectly exhibited Stark features and Dayne features.

"You do have a part to play. Bran told me you both have very useful gifts-" he produced Arya's belongings. "Edric, one of your sisters is missing, and we can't find her. Will you help us?"

Ned gently pushed Arya's belongings over the table to Edric, who eyed them in front of him. He looked back up to his Father with tears glistening in his eyes.

"I want to get to know you Father-" he began before his voice broke. Immediately Ned rose and crossed the table to sit in between the brothers, and placed an arm around them both, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Oberyn watched with interest as Ned hugged the boys, choosing to not be involved but rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"You have both been in my mind for many years now. I know you've longed to come North. You'd be surprised how connected us Starks are," he chuckled as he looked at their faces.

"I see your parents in both of you, and I'm so proud of you both. I'm glad you're here and I had this chance to look upon you. I can't stress though the danger that's here. I myself was recently attacked and barely survived an assassination attempt. I will not risk your lives here, your mother would die of grief and I couldn't live with the thought of losing you and her"

Oberyns gaze sharpened with the mention of Ned's assassination, his eyes twinkled as Ned spoke.

Edric looked up to his Father, "You still love her"

Ned returned his gaze, "I never stopped loving her son"

"Then why?" began Rickard, and Ned looked to his nephew.

"Because I had a duty to my children, my wife and my people. And until that duty is over, I'm not free to love who I want"

"She misses you," continued Edric softly.

Ned looked down at his feet and exhaled raggedly, "I miss her more"

"Maybe one day-" began Rickard, and Ned looked to his nephew smiling sadly.

"I dream about that day every night, but until then there is much to do. Now tell me about yourselves, Bran said you have wonderful gifts. What are they? And how can they help us find Arya?"

Oberyn leant forward, his eyes shining and a golden necklace dangling from his hand.

"Maybe I can help explain to you what these boys of yours can do"

Ned indicated to Oberyn to continue and he listened as Oberyn divulged the tale of his search for Rhaenys. At times Ned couldn't believe what he was hearing, he looked with disbelief at the boys to his side. Their faces were serious, and Ned knew what Oberyn spoke was the truth. When Oberyn concluded with the dragon and watching Rhaenys fly away, Ned sat back in his seat his mind struggling to process the story.

"You only saw Rhaenys? Not Rhaegar or Lyanna?"

Oberyn shook his head, "Your sister and Rhaegar did not come. But Rhaenys told me they are alive" he spoke with some bitterness at the end.

"You don't sound happy about that" replied Ned frankly.

Oberyn flicked Ned a charged look, "I never forgave Rhaegar for leaving Elia behind-"

Ned nodded his head slightly, understanding Oberyn's point.

"Maybe one day Rhaegar can clarify what happened with you"

"I'm beyond talking to that man," spat Oberyn angrily, "it won't change what he did"

Edric sat forward, "Oberyn, she refused to leave-"

Oberyn looked angrily at Edric, and Edric held up a folded up letter. He pushed it across the table, confused, Oberyn snatched it and opened it angrily. He read through the letter several times, and despite his eyes watering his face remained angered.

"Why are you only giving this to me now?" he snapped.

Edric shrugged, "I wanted to give it you at the right time, and this is that time"

"What is it?" asked Ned curiously, Oberyn flicked it away to Ned in anger.

"Elia wrote a letter just before she died, she gave it to a servant and told them to flee the castle. She wanted it delivered in secret to the Martells but the servant never made it that far. She fled to Driftmark and remained there, she did give the letter to the Lord of the Tides. We stole it from him-" explained Edric.

Ned read through the letter himself and for a moment was drawn into that moment, he saw the memory through Elia's eyes and the pain in her heart. He knew what she had chosen. He looked across the table to Oberyn, and held up the letter.

"They speak the truth, Elia chose her fate" he spoke with sad finality.

Oberyn looked away angrily, struggling with his sisters choice.

"Why" he spoke through gritted teeth before slamming his fist on the table, "why would she give up and not try to escape? Why!"

"The children," said Edric as he looked apprehensively at Oberyn, "she knew if she escaped, there would be searches. In her mind she was convinced the rebellion would be defeated and Aerys would hunt them"

Oberyn still sat angrily, "I wish I'd killed Aerys myself" he spoke hotly.

"Aerys had too many enemies to survive that war, it was only a matter of time" said Ned, gently, trying not to inflame Oberyn further. Oberyn didn't respond, he just stared at his clenched fist rested on the table.

Edric looked to his Father while his hand rested on Arya's clothes, "When we find Arya how will we convince her to come with us?"

Ned looked to his son, "If she has Nymeria with her, the wolves will know each other as they're kin. If she's lost the only one she will trust is Nymeria. The wolves will convince her"

Ned indicated the two sand coloured wolves at the boys feet, at his voice they lifted their head and fixed him with their intense stare.

"Bring Arya home" spoke Ned to the wolves, their ears pricked up and Ned knew they understood. "There is a ship waiting for you at White Harbour lads, leave as soon as you can. Be careful, the sea is full of danger"

After Rickard and Edric said reluctant goodbyes, Ned sat back at the table and looked to Oberyn whose eyes were twinkling again.

"Sounds like I have arrived at the perfect time my friend," he smirked, "War councils, assassination attempts. These are all where I thrive"

Ned smirked, "I think you'll find Winterfell boring compared to Dorne"

"We will see," smirked Oberyn as he began to spin a dagger between his fingers. "How long will it take to get there? This place is colder than a witches tit"

"Come with me, it's not far"

Ned stood and lumbered out of the tent, intrigued, Oberyn followed. Ned led them to the face of the weirwood tree, he looked down to Lyarra who had trotted to keep up with him.

"Lyarra, can we get back the way we came?"

The wolf slowly padded up to the face carved in the tree, it was an angry, pained face seeming to scream at them. She came face to face with the carving and let out a low howl. The ground shuddered slightly beneath Ned and Oberyn's feet, they looked to each other in alarm. Lyarra stepped back from the face of the carving as it began to open and emit the same blue shimmering light Ned stepped into to arrive here. The mouth of the carving opened up wide enough to allow a man to step through. Without hesitation, Lyarra ran through the light, disappearing. Ned grinned at Oberyn and followed leaving Oberyn alone.

With a look of uncertainty Oberyn looked at the shimmering light, it twirled in a mesmerising way. He breathed out in frustration and grumbled, "Maybe being friends with you isn't such a good idea Ned"

And with as much bravery as he could muster, Oberyn stepped through the portal and the carved Weirwood face closed behind him and the Godswood was quiet again.

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

The sound of men talking over each other bounced off the walls of the large room holding the War Council, the voice of Umber was clear to distinguish along with very poignant comments from Bolton. What was clear to anyone in earshot was the level of disagreement, the situation was at boiling point. One side had to heavily compromise on what they would agree to, and at this point in time none had reached the point where they would bend. The ale didn't help, and tensions only continued to rise. Several men called for their leader, Ned Stark, where is he? They muttered amongst themselves, the whispers continued to grow. Roose Bolton saw an opportunity and seized it.

"Where is Ned Stark i hear you all asking," he smirked as he made his way to the centre of the room, "Seems our illustrious war hero has abandoned our council. Ned is too scared to go to War, and it clearly shows-"

"Does it?" came the voice of Ned through the crowd, the room fell silent and several of Ned's suppprters smirked at Roose's misstep.

The men made way for their Lord, and Ned stepped through the crowd, dressed in his northerner furs, strapped with two swords and looking very much ready to go to war. As Ned stepped forth, a wave of shock went through the room at who accompanied Ned, the Red Viper himself, Oberyn Martell.

"What the fuck is this," growled Jon Umber with his hand on his sword. Ned raised his hand in caution.

"Nobody draw a blade, Oberyn is a guest at Winterfell. We have allies outside of the North," several eyebrows in the room raised at this comment, "partners in trade are needed to keep food in your mouths and the North from being dependant on the Crown. Oberyn couldn't help but hear the commotion and insisted on lending us his expertise, he is after all accomplished on the battlefield and a warrior in his own right"

Ned half turned and gave Oberyn the space to address the very unfriendly room, he moved with charm though and a smoothness to him which seemed sinister at the same time. Unafraid of anyone in the room, even the Bolton's and Umbers couldn't maintain the intensity of eye contact he gave them as he approached.

Oberyn glanced at the plans for war they had proposed, and scoffed a little. He lifted their plans up and threw them on the floor, it was dramatic and showed what he really thought.

"Only fools would think of leaving the North to fight their enemy," he said with confidence and a heavy Dornish accent, "you have unrivalled advantage by forcing them to come to you. That is what you should use. They cannot win on this terrain, where are they likely to enter?" He questioned, picking up a map.

Rickard Karstark pointed to Moat Cailin, and gruffly spoke, "This is the only way into the North on land, everything else is deadly swamp"

"Can anyone make it through this swamp?" asked Oberyn as he flirted through the remaining documents on the table.

"Not without me," came a voice from the back of the room, Oberyn turned to look and was confused when he couldn't hear who spoke.

"Who said that?" he asked.

There was some movement as a smaller man than the rest shouldered his way forward, he stretched out his hand.

"I did, Howland Reed" he held out his hand for Oberyn who looked at his hand momentarily before seizing it and shaking fiercely.

"Tell me about this swamp of yours and any points that could be attacked by sea-"

Ned looked at Oberyn fiercely taking to the moment of planning for war, his eyes scanned across the room and he clearly saw the looks of malice on several faces. His gaze rested on Roose Bolton, whose glare was fixed directly on him.

BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Ned stood under the Weirwood tree, silently praying for strength and resolution to this bad blood with one of his men. He held no hope though, and questioned why he even bothered to ask for resolution in the first place. The history between their Houses was enough to indicate peace would never be lasting. All it took was one of them to make a move, and both of them had made moves. Ned had maimed Roose's son, but that son had attacked Winterfell. And now Roose had attempted to assassinate Ned, upon reflection Ned knew there was no hope of resolution or peace. Somehow he had to stall this internal war though long enough to secure peace from the war coming in the South. Ned even mulled over executing Roose, but that would erupt tensions with the remaining Houses of the North. No matter where Ned turned there was turmoil.

Roose approached the Weirwood and Ned turned to face him, he was framed totally by the Weirwood tree seemingly surrounded and protected by it. Roose was apprehensive at a meeting alone with Ned considering recent events, but he hid it well behind a mask of calm. He came to stand in front of Ned and clasped his hands in front of his body, and waited for Ned to speak. Both men looked at each other, but no words came out.

"You sent men into the woods, my woods to kill me. As you can see they did not succeed"

Roose didn't immediately respond, and he worked hard to not move a muscle in his face to give away the fact that irked him.

"I did no such thing," he replied coolly, "and the fact you're standing here accusing me of an act is quite out of line"

Ned raised his eyebrows, "Out of line? Your son and soldiers attacked my home, tried to murder my children in their beds. And yet I returned your son-"

"You maimed my son-" interrupted Roose, and in that moment Ned knew he'd found a weakness. For Roose to break composure at all, was a major thing.

"Your son is lucky to be alive," admonished Ned.

"We are all lucky to be alive, even you" returned Roose with his usual cool composure. Ned chuckled and looked to the ground, he knew how to read between Roose's words and that veiled admission of his hand in trying to assassinate him.

"Even if you took the North you couldn't hold it for long," he looked up and glared into Roose's eyes, "there's more than one war coming and your House doesn't have what it takes to weather those wars"

"And you think yours does?" mocked Roose.

"I know my House has the strength and the means to survive. There's more to my House than being able to skin my enemies"

Roose scoffed and looked away, and Ned looked incredulous.

"Please enlighten me then on what is so special about your House that you can outlast and outlive mine and fight wars you haven't even seen coming yet"

Roose glanced at Ned, "House Bolton has always been more tactical and strategic, we do what needs to be done and aren't afraid to eliminate enemies"

"That's not enough though Roose what do you do if you can't eliminate an enemy?"

Roose smirked a little, "All enemies can be eliminated"

Ned grimaced, "What if they're not alive?"

Roose didn't answer immediately, "You're even less capable of leading the North than what I thought. If you believe those stories you've got no place leading our men" he spoke with outright scorn and disgust.

He withdrew his sword and in that moment chaos exploded, arrows rained down from the trees in what Ned realised was an ambush. Cursing under his breath Ned drew his sword and swept his arm in a wide arc blocking Roose's advance and using his strength to send Roose flying across the clearing. He fell with a thud and didn't rise, Ned turned and observed where the arrows came from. He thought how he could neutralise them all at once, at that moment without warning, the Weirwood tree sent out several shoots and Ned heard gurgling shouts and the thud of bodies hitting the floor. Panting from shock Ned looked all around him, the weirwood shoots returned and then the tree shuddered slightly before becoming still again. Roose stirred and groaned, Ned thundered over to him and drew his dagger, without a thought he brought the dagger down into Roose's neck and watched as his eyes grew big before the life slipped from his body. Blood gushed from the wound and the dagger remained in his neck, eyes still staring at Ned who watched as the blood spilled among the outer roots of the weirwood which snaked through the ground but were less concentrated here. In that moment Ned felt regret, this was bad and he knew no good was going to come from it. The ground shuddered again as roots burst through the surface of the ground and wrapped all around Roose's body encasing the leader of House Bolton. The blood that had gushed out was absorbed by the roots and his body was pulled slowly underground. The only thing left behind was Ned's dagger sticking out from the ground still stained with Bolton blood. Ned pulled the dagger from the ground and washed the blood in the pool by his side, heaviness was in his heart at how he would handle the fallout from this. Ned scouted the clearing looking for any remnants of Roose and his men, and only just caught sight of the weirwood roots pulling the last Bolton soldier underground devouring their bodies and absorbing their blood. This was not what he had planned, he had hoped he could somehow get Roose back on his side and try to mend things but it was clear Roose was never going to comply. Heavy with his thoughts Ned approached the tree, and placed his hand to the side of the carved face.

"You've helped me again," he muttered quietly, "but I need you to guide me how I'm going to prevent a civil war breaking out in the North after this"

The tree made a creaking sound as the roots to Ned's right slowly slithered away revealing a set of stairs, he looked at them apprehensively before disappearing underneath the tree. The roots slithered shut behind him and all was quiet in the forest again.

TBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW

Robb stood on the deck of the ship looking up at the imposing Casterly Rock above him, it loomed over him just as Tywin had done for a period of Robb's life. He felt daunted by its presence and what it stood for, Robb realised he felt the same about the castle as he did Tywin and how alike the man was to his castle. Robb didn't feel at ease being on the water, he much preferred the safety and certainty of the earth, but he knew it was far more dangerous to travel now than when he arrived. And he conceded the sea was a better option due to its swiftness in getting him back in the North. All of this ran through his mind as the ship was being loaded. A figure caught his eye cutting through the crowd, and it could've only been one person. Robb watched Tywin approach the ship and board as the crowd parted for his path, Robb was surprised he had come down to bid farewell. Greywind looked up from laying at Robbs feet and went to greet Tywin, who ruffled his head slightly. Robb was shocked, he didn't know Tywin regarded Greywind with anything other than contempt. Tywin saw the look of surprise on Robbs face and smiled slightly which completely lightened his face, he came to stand by Robb's side and looked up at the castle. The sounds of the ship being loaded with the thud of sacks and the shouts of the crew sounded around them like a chorus of music.

"My family have held this castle for many years now, do you want to know how?"

Robb glanced to his side at Tywins steely face looking up at the castle, "Making the right decisions"

Tywin looked across to Robb and corrected him, "By putting the needs of the family before anything else. When everything is taken away, you only have the family and the legacy you leave behind is what you leave for the generations to come. Houses have fallen because of greed, stupidity and lack of foresight. You have to be careful you don't fall into those traps and ask yourself always is this going to benefit our family or endanger us? Before you make a decision"

"What if you make a wrong decision? How do you fix it?" asked Robb with some trepidation.

Tywin didn't respond immediately, but eventually he clenched his jaw and spoke.

"You have to accept the fallout and get back on course as best you can. There is always an opportunity to rectify a mistake if you'll admit you made one"

Robb nodded thoughtfully.

"I've given you as much as I can about how to rule and be a good leader. Now the rest is on you Stark"

"I know," said Robb seriously, "When the time comes I will put everything to use"

Tywin looked again at his protégé with slight annoyance, "No you use it now, everything I've taught you is to prepare you for whatever is to come next. And if my feelings are right, there is a storm coming. You'll need whatever tools you have to get through it"

The captain of the ship began barking orders to depart, and Tywin eyed him as they began to prepare for departure.

"The sea between here and the North is treacherous young wolf, but it's the most direct way to get you home. Don't expect an easy ride" spoke Tywin ominously as the sailors began to unwrap the rope holding the boat on the dock.

Tywin turned back and extended his hand, Robb shook it gratefully and they looked at each other for a moment.

"Thank you for everything," spoke Robb seriously.

Tywin grimaced slightly which could've been mistaken for a grim smile, "Don't mess it up" he spoke sternly before turning and walking away. He exited the ship and returned to Casterly Rock through the docks, Robb watched him go but Tywin didn't look back once.

As the ship departed and sailed North he felt trepidation in the pit of his gut, they had to make it past the Iron Islands undetected and then he still had to make his way through the wild northern forests where men hadn't explored in countless years. Tywin was right, this journey was faster but just as dangerous than if he was to pass over the land. The ship sailed on, bolstered by fair breezes filling the sails and creating good speed.

Despite the biting breeze, Robb preferred to stay on the deck and embrace the sea breeze on his face which blew in strong salty gusts against his skin. Greywind nestled into his side when he sat on the deck and Robb began mulling over all the experiences he had at Casterly Rock and committing the lessons he learnt to memory. The rocking of the boat and the sinking of the sun eventually lulled Robb into a sleep where his dreams were strange and violent. He heard the clash of arms and the sounds of dying men and horses on the battlefield, he smelled smoke and burning bodies, and he saw a tornado of red Weirwood leaves and a girl trapped inside. With a start he realised it was Arya but when he called out to her she simply spun away into the darkness. A sudden sound startled Robb and he groggily opened his eyes, he realised his face had been splashed and was wet. He looked up and saw a figure standing above him which seemed to be made completely of water, it startled when it realised he was there and dived back into the water. Rubbing his eyes, Robb thought he had seen something from his dream but when he looked again he saw Greywind up on his hind legs looking into the water. Robb jumped up and frantically looked into the sea, but all he could see was rolling waves, conjuring fire in his palm he managed to glimpse a tail disappearing into the water. He tried to see more but he knew unless he was prepared to dive into the water in these freezing temperatures he couldn't do anything else. Extinguishing the flames he turned and went in search of the captain across the deck in the captains cabin.

Robb found the captain deep in a horn of ale, his eyes were red rimmed and tired from poring over the unrolled maps strewn across his desk. Despite Robb's honest recollection, the Captain didn't believe him which was only made worse by the fact he thought he'd been dreaming. After Robb's explanations and protestations of truthfulness the Captain leaned forward onto the table and fixed his bloodshot eyes onto Robb, with an ugly grimace he spoke disdainfully.

"Lad there is nothing in these seas except those blasted iron born. That's the only danger out here, there's no such thing as people living under the water. Go back to your dreams," he finished scornfully taking a long swig from his ale then slamming it back on the table. Frustrated but recognising he couldn't get through to him, Robb left the room angrily knowing what he had seen was real to a chorus of sniggers from the crew. Angrily he flung himself down onto the deck and tried to calm his anger, closing his eyes he prayed to the Old Gods as Tywins voice played in his mind that he's too emotional like a crying woman.

That night they pressed on, and managed to sail by the iron islands without incident. It was a miracle some of the deckhands said, as the iron born were known for patrolling their seas closely. They must have slipped through the patrols without detection. Robb was pleased they didn't come across any iron born, but the sight of what he saw earlier on didn't leave him and he fell into uneasy sleep with violent dreams.

Waking the following morning his body was stiff from sleeping on the hard wood of the deck, he must've fallen asleep while gazing at the stars. The only warmth he had was a shabby salty blanket and Greywind. For days they sailed into an empty horizon getting closer and closer to the North. The unease Robb felt only deepened, until he felt the hairs on his neck raising until it was uncomfortable. Greywind was edgy as well, and several times the men who startled the wolf accidentally almost lost their throats. The crew stared at the Starks like they had gone mad, and the Captain became concerned their madness would spread. He watched Robb and Greywind from a distance that afternoon, concerned there would be a mutiny against them. Surprisingly the crew kept a wide berth and left Robb and Greywind alone, and they remained at the bow together watching the horizon. The rise and fall of the ship on the current brought some solace to them both, even if the feeling of danger increased.

"What is happening to me?" muttered Robb as the sun started to slip below the horizon, the darkness chased them into the night and Robb felt such a feeling of unease he could barely breathe. Greywind whined and lay his head on Robb's lap. Robb smiled and place his hand across Greywind's side, he was grateful for his companion.

"You feel it too probably worse than me, something bad is coming," he felt powerless as he spoke those words, and once again the boat lulled them both into an uneasy sleep.

At dawn, Robb was woken by a scream, and a sickening crunching sound. He stirred and looked all around him, and immediately realised all the torches were extinguished. He could see the sun beginning to rise on the horizon but the light from the sun only slightly lightened their visibility. Greywind growled which put Robb on high alert with a rapidly pounding heart. Men's shouts could be heard shortly followed by a loud crunching and groaning sound which Robb quickly realised was the ship being attacked.

Iron born, he thought to himself and scrambled to his feet ready to spring into action.

The ship keeled over to one side as a loud whooshing sound of rushing water exploded next to Robb followed by a loud, haunting screech. Robb instinctively grabbed the side of the ship and dropped to his knees, he looked up fearfully and could see an enormous shape blacking out the lightening dawn sky above him. He conjured fire to explode in all the torches on the ship and his heart dropped when he realised what it was high above them.

The Kraken had come.

"Starboard!" He heard the captain yelling, "it's starboard! Fire!"

Everything unfolded in slow motion for Robb, the canons fired at the Kraken but it screeched and dived under with surprising deftness. Robb rushed to the side of the ship to watch it disappear under water, it crashed under the surface sending a huge spray of water in all directions. The boat swung wildly in the waves in its wake. Despite his heart racing and absolute fear at seeing this creature, Robb was mesmerised. He had always heard of this creature but dismissed it as mythical, and it was as magnificent as the illustrations he had seen of it. Rushing to the other side Robb wasn't disappointed as the Kraken emerged violently from the water and immediately began twirling its tentacles around the ship. The sound of dying men, crashing waves and the Captains screams filled the air. Men rushed to attack, and the Captain screamed at Robb to get away from the side, but Robb was entranced. He gazed up at the creature with his mouth gaped open, not even the explosion of canons tore him away. The Kraken squeezed the ship destroying the mast and dropping the sails onto the deck below. Men were crushed underneath as the ship began dying, waves crashed across the deck and swept many away into the gurgling depths of the sea. They were instantly dragged under never to be seen again, their cries extinguished by the wild waves.

Robb leaned forward and felt the spray of the ocean on his face and was seemingly in a trance, he noticed a thick tentacle was curled around the ship next to him. Looking down to Greywind who also peered over the side, he reached out and focused all his fire energy on touching the beast. The Kraken was cold and slippery to touch but Robb felt the heat of his hand and the intensity of the fire within him, there was a loud shriek and the Kraken recoiled quickly. Robb conjured several fire balls and threw them at the Kraken as it dived back under water, he saw several hit the sides of it and the waves crashed violently over the spot it disappeared before becoming calm again. Robb leaned over the side and emptied his stomach as the adrenalin of the situation overwhelmed him. The ship still rocked violently with the aftermath of the Kraken's sudden departure, the Captain staggered through the violent movements of the ship to drag Robb to his feet. He was pale and clammy from the seawater and sweat, the Captain sneered angrily in his face.

"Why the fuck didn't you do that earlier! We have to abandon ship you bloody fool!" and he indicated the broken sorry shape the ship was in. Robb followed his movement and saw the remaining sailors working frantically to load what they could before the ship went under. The Captain shoved Robb towards a waiting boat.

"Get off my fucking ship," he spoke with such venom, making Robb feel guilty he hadn't sprung into action before. He staggered across the deck noticing holes gaping here and there, water leaking in threatening to destroy the ship in moments. Robb quickly leant a hand, throwing sacks of whatever he could grab onto the waiting boats, his arms ached but he kept throwing them trying to save as much as he could.

The Captain still furious ordered the crew to drag Robb off the ship and into the boat. Several men advanced to obey the order, but Greywind growled and went to lunge. In that moment several of the sailors had strung arrows on their bows and aimed directly at Greywind and Robb. The broken ship groaned under their feet under the pressure of the wild waves.

"Greywind, no" said Robb as he grasped his staff and stepped into the waiting boat. Greywind still had teeth bared and his hackles raised looking very aggressive. He didn't look like he would back down.

"I suggest you call your wolf lad, otherwise both your corpses will be thrown into the sea to feed that monster" threatened the Captain, the sailors with the arrows stepped closer ready to unleash their arrows in an instant.

"Greywind!" yelled Robb slamming his staff down on the bottom of the small boat. Immediately, Greywind ceased and jumped into the boat but his hackles remained high.

Robb stared at the Captain defiantly though, "You know I was right. I tried to warn you, you refused to listen and you'll spend the rest of your life with that knowledge"

The boat lowered into the angry sea and one of the sailors began to row but everywhere Robb looked there was ocean. A cracking and groaning sound filled the air as the ship began to break apart under the pressure of the waves. The Captain sneered angrily and stepped into the boat opposite Robb, reluctantly he tore his gaze away from Robb and began barking orders. The sailors eyed Robb as they rowed furiously away from the swirling mess of the broken ship trying desperately to get closer to the shore and the calmer waters. Robb's boat advanced faster thanks to the younger, fitter sailors rowing furiously despite their arms feeling like they would fall off. Frustrated Robb sat and watched the other boats, Greywind had his hackles raised and teeth bared again, seems he also still felt the danger like Robb did. He looked at the wolf and knew this wasn't over when they eventually got to shore, the Captain and crew would still be a problem for them.

At that moment, there was a shout, a huge wave was forming nearby threatening the boats behind them. Robb pointed and the young sailors on his boat gaped as the water towered above them, immediately rowing faster and trying to yell to the other boats. But just as they got their message out of the danger, the wave collapsed over the top of them swallowing the remaining boats and their supplies. Several other waves crashed over the top of the spot where the other boats had just been, and the surging water angrily chased them threatening to swallow Robb's boat too. Robb grabbed an oar in desperation and rowed furiously as the enormous wave chased them. Too scared to look back, he rowed until his arms had sharp pains shooting up them, only then did he look back panting and drenched from the sea spray. He realised the enormous wave had pushed them further away from the wild waves but there was nothing left of the wreck, the ship was gone, completely swallowed by the sea. And their small boat was the only one which survived the towering waves, Robb tasted the salty water on his lips as he desperately looked all around trying to find land. The sailors yelled in desperation for anyone who survived the waves, but the sea had taken all their lives. No one resurfaced.