Chapter 6: Back into the Fray

"By the Seven, lad, how did you survive?" Brynden remarked, eyeing Robb and looking at the others in his tent to confirm Robb was really there.

"Can't get rid of me that easily, uncle" Robb jested before he continued, "Truth be told, I would be rotting on some bank of the Trident right now if it wasn't for Richard here. After I made my escape out of the Twins by jumping into the river, taking some bolts for a parting gift, Richard found me hiding from Frey's and near death. He brought me to his home and nursed me back to health."

The Blackfish turned to his other guest, properly examining him for the first time as he had been too distracted by Robb's emergence from the dead to pay any real attention to his companion.

"Richard, by the Gods, you finally emerged from that hermitage . Robb, you made one interesting decision choosing to ally with a Bracken." He continued to walk towards Richard who stared at him in silence. The two looked at each other, not speaking and making Robb quite uneasy. Brynden then burst out laughing and so did Richard and they embraced heartily.

"You know, Richard, you always asked why I chose you on that one day and now we both know the answer. I knew that one day you would save my nephew from death."

"Not even you could think that many moves ahead, old friend."

Richard chuckled at the idea

"Well in any case Brynden, it's good to see you, it's been far too long since our last meeting."

"Yes it has, you've been missed in Riverrun in your prolonged absence."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that, I found that isolation and the peace that it brought was a far better life than the one I left behind"

Brynden put a hand on Richards shoulder

"Nothing wrong with that, there's a reason I chose to resign myself to the Vale, the politics of lords ill suit men like us"

"Indeed, no offense Robb"

"None taken, the politics of being King exhausted me to no end as well, however necessary for the realm."

"Speaking of necessities for the realm, Robb, our reunion has changed the objectives we should aim to achieve."

Robb turned to his uncle and nodded. Brynden turned to the rest of the men in the room, the guards and attendants looking on in absolute shock at their king emerged from the dead.

"I need everyone out now and do not say a word of what you have just witnessed or you will need to pray to the gods to save you from my wrath, now leave us."

Everyone in the tent, save the three men, quickly took their leave, spurred by the harsh words of the Blackfish.

"A little harsh, don't you think Uncle?"

"I would not have my camp set into a chaos, not even for you dear nephew, also our plans may require you to stay hidden just a while longer."

"Let's set a plan, then, but before we discuss any future moves, there are plenty of questions that I chased you across the Riverlands for so you could answer."

Brynden grinned, entertained by the idea of Robb running full speed across the Riverlands, roaring his name as he went.

"Very well then, I'm sure my defiance against your prior orders has driven you mad, especially after you paid the hefty price of a long trek for it. It was a well orchestrated march however, I trust even a small party like Richard and yourself had a hard time tracking me here."

"Not very hard to track men with a direwolf at your side"

"Your direwolf lives?! How did he not perish at the Twins like so many others."

"That remains a mystery, even to me. He was locked in the kennels when I went into the slaughter but when I checked them after fighting my way out, he was nowhere to be seen. I damn near got myself killed trying to look for him but I still don't look down upon the decision with shame."

"I'm glad to hear that. It's always easier to go into battle with a beast like that at your side."

"Anyways, when we got to Riverrun, we found it abandoned to our surprise, you and the rest of the garrison gone, we tracked you here and now my question of what happened has shifted to a question of why it happened. Why would you abandon Riverrun, the citadel controlling the Trident to those Frey bastards."

"It was not an easy decision, Robb, but not one that I regret either. When I received word of the Red Wedding as my men had gotten to calling it along with every other person it seems, I also received word that a Northern contingent had managed to battle their way out of the massacre and was last seen headed north towards Moat Cailin. I also was told by the Northern messengers that you had organized the retreat but had been missing in action since. After news spread across the realm that the Frey's had killed you, I had no choice but to assume so as well. So I was presented with a choice, to obey your old and outdated orders and hold Riverrun until we were eventually trapped by a force big enough to subdue us or march north as well to relieve the Northern forces and create a unified front once again.

"If my men marched north after escaping the slaughter, they would be trapped between the Greyjoy forces holding Moat Cailin and the Frey's coming from the south to finish them off. They will only be delaying another massacre."

"That is why I march, Your Grace and I intend to surround those whoresons precisely as they intended to do with the Northerners. That is why I acted boldly and with haste, Your Grace and if we continue the march at the pace we have set, I believe we will have the advantage."

"Your theories are sound, Uncle, and we will see if they bear results. What is the size and composition of your forces here at the moment."

"At the beginning of the march, 7000 footmen, a contingent of around 800 archers, and 600 more in light and heavy horse, the Frey force pursuing your forces from the Red Wedding from carried around 9000 men with more horsemen from our last report, the Bolton forces accounting for a good amount of that."

When Robb heard his uncle mention the Bolton name, anger coursed through him as he remembered Roose's betrayal and his smug expression when condemning Robb to death, "The odds are against us but not by much, when we join battle I want the Boltons dealt with separately from the Frey's, any Bolton captives I want executed immediately, no quarter given."

Brynden's face changed with Robb's words and he sighed before saying, "No, Your Grace, I will not."

Anger flashed through Robb's face when he heard his uncle's words and he responded, "No? Uncle, cowards like the Frey's exist everywhere but Roose Bolton and his dogs are a blight upon the very idea of the North."

"Your Grace, I understand the pain of betrayal and I understand your anger towards house Bolton but taking your anger out on common foot soldiers is not just and it will not satisfy your vengeance. Your father taught you better than this."

"And what happened to my father? He's dead because he believed in honor and just actions and he was killed by greed and cowardice."

"Which is the reason we wage war in the first place, to avenge him and uphold the values that he fought for. Robb do not lose what your father taught you fighting a war you started because of him"

Robb relented, taking a step back and pouring himself a glass of water from a nearby pitcher. He drank, set the glass down, and continued, "You're right Uncle, I apologize for losing my wits for a moment there, please continue with your plans for the campaign."

"Thank you for your restraint Robb, it will not come without reward, if we can reach your forces soon enough, the united front we present should be enough"

"My lord, pardon the interruption, a messenger entered our camp just a few minutes ago, he claims to be from the Northern force we march to relieve."

Brynden looked at the others and Robb nodded, giving his consent for the meeting to be interrupted by the news they would receive.

"Bring him in and send for food and drink as well as prepare a place for him to rest tonight"

A bearded man with leather armor entered the tent, flanked by two Tully guards. Brynden studied him for a moment before speaking, "Very well, what news do you profess to bring from our Northern allies."

"Forgive me but that is not Robb Stark beside you, my Lord, is it?

Robb nodded, "It is, I know you must have many questions about how I came to be here, but please the news you carry is of vital importance."

The messenger focuses himself once again, "Apologies, I forgot my purpose in the surprise, we have broken through the fortress of Moat Cailin in the North and have driven the Ironborn out of the region thanks to Howland Reed and his men, We occupy the stronghold and move to secure the rest of the North. The Frey force that pursued us tried to throw itself against the Neck but found itself repelled easily with many casualties. The Frey army has since returned to the Twins, beaten and tail between legs. I was dispatched as my lord, Dacey Mormont did not believe a raven would find its way to your force accurately enough."

A smile broke through Brynden's face, "Good news, you will rest here for a few days until you and your horse have recovered. I will send a raven with a response soon and you will be sent back to your comrades once I find a safer way for you to return, you are dismissed and thank you for your bravery in such a journey."

The messenger nodded and left, in search of a good meal and a warm bed. Brynden turned back to Robb and Richard, "If only the luck I have had tonight extended for eternity, I would die a happy man. This changes our plans drastically but in a good way. I believe we should move to secure a foothold upon which we can reestablish control over the Trident."

Robb nodded, "Where should this foothold begin however is the question. I don't believe your army is in shape to take the Twins yet in any case so I would have us move east towards the Saltpans and Darry. You can resupply and recruit there and use the Ruby Ford as a strong defensive position from which to defend from advances from southern forces."

Brynden nodded and said, "A keen eye to point out such a good defensive position but I have given up too much in Riverrun to make such a conservative maneuver. I believe in marching to relieve Seaguard and Raventree and adding their garrisons to my force then acting on your advice."

"A wise compromise, Uncle, we shall carry it out with haste."

"You won't be, Robb"

"Why not, haven't I proven myself an able commander"

Brynden chuckled, "You mistake me, Robb, You must return to the North, rally your forces, and drive the Greyjoy and Bolton cunts out, then bring your army south once again and we will make sure the outcome is right this time."

"A sound plan, but how am I to find my way to the North with the Freys controlling the roads all the way up to the Neck."

"You go around, Robb. Take a merchant ship out of the Saltpans bound for a Northern port like White Harbor. From there, make your way to the Northern army. I will send men with you to ensure your protection."

"I will go, Uncle but I will go alone. Armed men with me will only raise suspicion and I will not have any others die on my behalf trying to protect me."

Richard spoke up, "Robb, let me go with you, we have found luck together so far and I see no reason to jeopardize such now."

Robb turned to RIchard and smiled, "Richard, you are a lord and noble men with noble intentions are in short supply for the war as is, I would not rob good soldiers of one more. Stay here and aid my uncle in our struggle with your experience and ability, besides the cold of the North would not suit you."

Richard chuckled, "I can't say that I don't feel uncomfortable about leaving you, my Lord, but you are right about the greater struggle being here."

Robb turned to address both of the men, "Right then, it is settled, you will march west to Seagard and Raventree hall and I will find passage north, I will rest here and leave in the morning. Uncle, perhaps we should keep my presence a secret until I march back south. It would make for a nasty surprise to our enemies."

"I will have our men sworn to secrecy about you. You can take my bed in here Robb, I will find other lodgings, Richard, you should go meet the men and introduce yourself before you retire to sleep."

Richard took his leave out of the tent and Brynden nearly did too before Robb halted him with a question, "Uncle I forgot to ask you, where is Jeyne?"

Brynden turned with a pained expression on his face, "She slipped away from Riverrun with her mother and retainers when we were readying to march out of Riverrun. She left a note, declaring herself back to the Lannister cause and telling us in no uncertain terms not to pursue her."

There was some time before Bryndens words took hold in Robb's mind and he felt cold, numbed by the betrayal that he was faced with, "But how, how could she, why?"

Robb's confusion and despair pained the Blackfish and he gently grabbed hold of Robb, pulling him into an embrace, "Drive her from your mind, my boy, and focus only on bringing you and your people victory. Harden yourself to the pain you feel, believe me, it is the only way to bring the clarity you'll need to survive the coming struggles."

Brynden then released Robb and studied him for a moment before saying, "Now clear your mind and rest, I'll see you off in the morning."

Brynden left the tent and left Robb alone to his thoughts. Robb stood silent and unmoving for what felt like an eternity, his thoughts freezing him into place as he felt the turmoil of betrayal consume him. Ever so slowly, Robb regained control over himself, driving the love and hate he felt within him out bit by bit. He then breathed deeply and turned to grab the pitcher of water on the table beside his uncle's bed. He drank deeply and set the pitcher down.

Tears threatened to break through to Robb's eyes so he closed them, hardened his heart, and opened them once more, pain in his chest but at least he was no longer threatened by thoughts of the girl he once loved. Robb fell onto the bed, finally feeling the exhaustion that had built up over the hard weeks of fighting and running and remembered the promise he'd made to himself to see everyone pay for treachery. Despite the thoughts racing through Robb's head, he fell to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, his exhaustion bringing him to rest.

Robb awoke in the morning, feeling rested and prepared for the day's events. Robb emerged from his tent to find Richard waiting for him, looking ready for the day ahead. The morning sun cast a warm glow on the camp, and the sounds of soldiers preparing for their respective missions filled the air. "Good morning, Richard," Robb greeted with a hint of a smile.

"Good morning, my Lord," Richard replied, returning the smile. "I trust you slept well?"

"Surprisingly, yes," Robb admitted, though the pain of Jeyne's betrayal still lingered beneath the surface. "I suppose exhaustion can do wonders for sleep."

Brynden approached the two men, his expression serious yet resolute. He pressed a black cloak into Robb's hands which Robb donned without a word. "Are you both ready for the tasks ahead?" Robb nodded firmly. "I am, Uncle. I will make my way to the Saltpans discreetly and find a merchant ship bound for White Harbor. The journey north will be long, but necessary for my best chance to reach my northern forces."

Richard chimed in, "And I'll do my part in the west, rallying the garrisons at Seagard and Raventree Hall, as we discussed." Brynden looked proud of both of them. "Good. Remember, Robb, you must stay vigilant and cautious. The Freys and Boltons will be on high alert, and we cannot risk your capture or harm. Take only this coin and do not raise any suspicions." Robb nodded, determined. "I understand, Uncle. I won't put myself or anyone else in unnecessary danger."

Brynden's stern expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Robb's shoulder. "I believe in you, Robb. You've grown into a strong and capable leader. Just be careful and remember what's at stake." "I will," Robb replied, grateful for his uncle's encouragement. Richard added, "And don't worry, my Lord. I'll hold down the fort here and do my best to assist in the defense of the Trident." Robb smiled at Richard. "Thank you, Richard. Your support means a great deal to me." The three of them stood there for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities settling on their shoulders. But there was also an unspoken trust and camaraderie that bound them together.

Brynden finally spoke, "Now, go and do what must be done. May the gods be with you both. Robb, there is a horse waiting for you to the eastern outskirts of the camp, inside the saddle bag is food and coin for your journey as well as a shirt of chainmail"

After bidding farewell to his uncle and friend, Robb set off, trying to keep a low profile as he moved through the camp. The sight of him leaving would be kept secret, as

As he made his way to the Saltpans, Robb couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. He was eager to reunite with his Northern forces, but the road ahead was fraught with danger. He knew he had to be cautious and stay vigilant. The journey to the Saltpans was quiet and uneventful. Robb kept off the road for the most part unless absolutely necessary and he faced no trouble.

After a couple days of riding through the forest, he found himself on the outskirts of the small trading port situated on the very innards of the Bay of Crabs, a few ships moored at port. Then, Robb heard a familiar panting noise behind him and turned to find Grey Wind standing in the clearing, looking tired but in good health. Robb dismounted from his horse and spent a while calming it to his direwolf's presence.

"We have to stop playing this game of hide and seek, you great beast."

Robb laughed and embraced Grey Wind, rubbing him down for a few minutes before he said another word. He savored the presence of his most steadfast companion before turning to unfortunate news.

"One more break in your place beside me, go north and find me past Moat Cailin"

Robb looked into his loyal friends eyes and saw what he deemed to be an annoyed gaze of recognition, surely however his direwolf was not capable of showing such emotion. Grey Wind snuggled against Robb one more time and then took off, tearing away from Robb and heading north. Robb turned back to his horse, comforted it away from its spooked state, and mounted and continued into the Saltpans.

As Robb made his way into the town, he noticed a distinct lack of the normal hustle and bustle one could typically find in a trading post such as it. Instead a deep depression seemed to fall over the people, heralded in by the lack of people outside their homes and the town streets that seemed to have fallen to neglect. Robb resolved to find passage and leave as quickly as possible. He quickly sold the palfrey he had ridden in on to a one eyed scraggly old trader, his teeth as yellow as his sweaty, wrinkly skin.

Robb haggled only as long as he deemed necessary as to not raise suspicions by trying to pawn such a healthy mount away. He then quickly made his way to the docks in the town, dodging the patrols of the local lord as he did. Robb didn't know which side the lord was on at the moment and he frankly did not want to find out. Better to ask for allegiance with an army behind your back rather than with a cloak over your head, he thought. Robb pressed some coins into the hand of a beggar and asked him, "Do you know where these ships are bound?"

"You asked the right man, all I do is watch these ships come in and out, which ships do you want to know about?"

Robb pressed another copper into the man's hand and nearly asked specifically about White Harbor before realizing he could be outed as a northerner trying to escape.

"I've got time and coin, tell me about them all and you'll sleep in a proper bed tonight."

After some time, the beggar pointed out a ship on the far right bound for White Harbor. Robb thanked the man and pressed several more coins into his hand before setting off on a brisk walk towards the ship in question. As Robb neared the vessel, he read the name which it sailed under, "The Alaric". A fine name for a fine vessel, Robb imagined as he looked for the captain.

Robb called out, "Hello, hello, is the captain here?"

A man's face popped up on the ship, "Are you looking for passage or for goods"

"Passage."

"Well, good because we're all out of our inventory. We're bound to White Harbor but I'm sure you know that if you're asking for passage, it'll cost you three silvers and you won't be getting a cabin, just a hammock."

"That's fine, when do we sail?"

"As soon as the tide comes in, you come at a good time, hope you're not waiting on anything because we sure aren't going to."

"I'm not waiting for anything, in fact, the quick departure suits me."

"Very well then, come aboard and don't mess with my cargo."

Robb stepped onto the ship and the captain showed him to where he would be sleeping, a hammock beside the inventory he was taking north, The crew had a crew of about 10 and even less passengers, the real prize heading north were the barrels and barrels of salt going to White Harbor.

"I bring hides south and salt north, a simple trade really and nothing complicated to it except for the marauders that chase us a little."

Robb turned to him surprised, "Marauders"

The captain looked back at him and nodded, "Yes, ever since Stannis invited those pirates from the Stepstones to join him in his foolish little war, more and more pirates have been showing up in the north, especially since there is no royal navy to take care of them. They chase us a bit but The Alaric is too speedy to be caught by those simple whoresons. Hope you're not having second thoughts because by the sound of it, we just got underway"

Robb heard a creak and moan and then stumbled a little bit as he felt the vessel begin to move.

"Well I guess it doesn't matter much what I think at this point."

The captain slapped him over the back, bursting into laughter, "That's the way to think about it, sonny. You can call me Captain Donnel, we should be at White Harbor in about a week depending on if the wind favors us."

With that, Captain Donnel bid a farewell to Robb and took his leave, leaving Robb to his hammock. Robb found the hold stuffy and damp and quickly made his way back up towards the top. With the ship underway, Robb stood at the deck, looking out over the sea, his thoughts drifting back to his time with Jeyne.

He felt a pang of sadness and anger and quickly fell deep into his thoughts, having nothing better to do with his time. As the ship sailed onward, Robb couldn't help but delve into his thoughts about Jeyne. The memories of their time together haunted him, their stolen moments of tenderness and the promises they made to each other. He recalled the way her smile lit up the room and how she had stood by him during some of the toughest moments of the war.

The passion they had shared that first time they had met. "I loved her," Robb admitted quietly to himself, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "And maybe, in some corner of my heart, I still do." But alongside the love, there was also an overwhelming sense of betrayal. The pain of her deception weighed heavily on his heart, making it hard for him to fully reconcile his feelings.

He wondered how much of what they had shared had been genuine, and how much had been part of a ploy to gain his trust. Robb questioned whether he had been blinded by love and missed the warning signs of her true allegiance. Guilt gnawed at him for letting his emotions cloud his judgment. In the midst of this internal struggle, Robb found himself grappling with the idea of closure.

Part of him wanted to confront Jeyne, to demand answers and find some semblance of understanding. Another part wanted to shut her out completely, to shield himself from further pain and disappointment. "I don't know if I can ever trust again," he thought, clenching his fists in frustration. "But I must find a way to move forward."

Robb knew that dwelling on the past wouldn't change anything. He couldn't undo the decisions that had led them to this point, but he could determine the path he took from here. He resolved to focus on the present and the future, to honor the memories of those who had lost their lives in the war by striving for justice and redemption.

As the days passed on the ship, Robb spent much of his time in quiet contemplation. He spoke little to the crew, preferring to keep to himself and sort through his emotions. He found solace in watching the waves crash against the ship's hull, finding comfort in the rhythmic motion of the sea.

One evening, as the sun began to set, Robb stood at the bow of the ship, feeling the gentle breeze against his face. The sight of the golden hues painting the sky reminded him of happier times, of simpler days before the war had consumed their lives.

"I miss the innocence of those days," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of the wind.

Lost in thought, Robb didn't notice the approach of another passenger until a soft voice spoke from behind him.

"May I join you?"

Startled, Robb turned to find a young woman standing there, her expression unreadable. She had a kind face, and her eyes held a mixture of sadness and curiosity.

"Of course," Robb replied, stepping aside to make room for her at the bow.

As the young woman, Elia, joined Robb at the bow of the ship, the two exchanged a brief but warm smile. They sat side by side, their gazes fixed on the horizon as the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the sea. "

You seemed lost in thought. I must admit gazing out on the open ocean, I find it the best place to do such" Elia said softly, breaking the silence between them.

Robb nodded, appreciating the company. "I was just thinking about the past and the choices that led me here. This war has changed so much in my life" he replied honestly.

Elia turned to him, her eyes filled with empathy. "War has a way of changing everything, doesn't it? It's a storm that sweeps in and alters the course of our lives."

"It does,"

Robb agreed, feeling a sense of ease in her presence. "But sometimes, amidst all the chaos, we find unexpected moments of solace."

Elia smiled, understanding his sentiment. "Yes, sometimes we find comfort in the most unlikely places."

Robb started, "I forget my manners, my name is Robb."

"I'm Elia, its a pleasure to meet your aqaintance

As they continued to talk, Robb and Elia discovered they had much in common from their love for nature to their value of peaceful moments.

Robb shared as much as he could without revealing himself and it turned out that both had lost loved ones to the war, both carried the weight of their respective responsibilities, and both yearned for a sense of peace and purpose. They left each other that night with a mutual bond strengthened by common cause as well as an attraction, of which neither could determine if it was friendly or something more. Robb got to know Elia over the next couple of days, that she was a merchant's daughter who was returning to her father in White Harbor.

They would sit together on the deck during the day, sharing stories and laughter, finding respite from the burdens of their past. In the evenings, they would watch the stars together, finding comfort in the vastness of the night sky. Their connection deepened as they opened up to each other, their conversations ranging from the joys they once knew to the sorrows they now carried.

Robb laid down to sleep on his hammock after one of those nights and allowed his mind to succumb to happier dreams, brought about by the gentle and kind words and actions of Elia, someone he would like to spend quite a while longer with.

He awoke to the pounds of running on the deck above, Robb quickly readied himself and hurried to the top where he saw Captain Donnel shouting orders to his men. Robb shouted, "What's the problem?"

The captain looked back at him and said, "We've got unwelcome company, lad. Pirates are closing in on us."

*Hey, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, please comment below your thoughts and ideas. I was thinging about creating another story, this one The captain looked back at him and said, "We've got unwelcome company, lad. Pirates are closing in on us."ough Westerosi society to the Red Keep and interacting with plenty of character on the way. Let me know if that's something you would be interested in and if so, what would you want included in said fic.