Chapter 22: Seeing Riverrun

299 AC

Harrion Karstark

It was dark at night. He and his men had left the main force yesterday. They had found a bridge over the Red Fork and crossed it. He had let them rest for a few hours and now they were marching towards the southern camp of the Lannisters. To their scouts' estimations, the enemy counted some four thousand five hundred men, mostly spears and archers.

His force consisted of two thousand men. They counted fourteen hundred light and heavy cavalry, augmented with six hundred archers. The plan was to wait until the Blackfish attacked the Northern camp with the vanguard. Then he and Robb would each attack the southern and middle camps at the same time. His victory would depend on the effect of surprise. If they were found out, they would lose.

They were sat in position, waiting silently. Finally, the sound of horns and battle was heard across the river. He saw how the camp in front of him was waking up in chaos. Now was the time. He gave the sound to blow the horns and they were met with horns from the other side of the river. Mixed in was the distinct sound of a direwolf howling in the night.

He sounded the charge and they rode into the camp like a storm. He plunged the spear he held into the neck of a half-dressed guard. He then swung his sword at other men, left and right and left again.

They managed to quickly break through half of the camp, but soon they were stopped in the middle as the enemy managed to form a shieldwall. He pulled on his reigns, shying away from it. He saw how a few hundred archers were starting to form up behind the line of spears and didn't want to expose his troops to that. He shouted out. "Cavalry back from here. Charge to the other corners of the camp, kill every enemy in sight but leave the shieldwall be. Bring up the archers to shoot at the archers behind."

He shouted to Domeric Bolton to swing back left and kill all Lannisters that hadn't managed to retreat behind the spears. While he commanded Ser Stevron Frey and his grandsons to do the same to the right.

He himself called out to Roose Ryswell and together they turned and spread their own horse through the middle. He saw a group of dazed Westermen in front of him and rode out, splitting the first men's skull and slashing the second one's neck open. His men easily trampling or killing the few dozen others. He saw the archers being brought up by Lord Deddings. The Riverland Lord was also keen set on revenge. He had been on his way to Riverrun to join Edmure Tully when he heard of his defeat. When he marched back home his keep and family were in ruins. The other Lannister force had sacked it and killed his wife.

The archers formed up and both sides began pelting each other. In the meantime, he scoured the camp for survivors, killing every Lannister he could see. He returned towards the shieldwall a few minutes later. He saw how his archers were doing damage but were slowly losing the ranged battle, so he pulled them back.

Not daring to directly charge the well-organized line, he retreated his force out of the camp and told them to spread out. If he couldn't quickly kill the fuckers, let's pin them here against the river until they have to come out or Robb comes to his aid.

An hour later he saw how his enemy left their camp. Their archers hugged the river with their spears in front. In rage as he thought about his brother and cousin, he gathered all his men and ordered a charge. They rode at speed towards the soldiers. In some parts they were quick enough to form up their spears, but not everywhere. Not here, he thought as he plunged in a hole.

He himself had picked up another spear and drove this one through a spearman's chest, before the man could plunge his spear in his warhorse. He pulled out his sword while he and his retainers rode dozens of men against the ground. "Drive them into the river, men!" he shouted at the top of his lungs as his men charged behind him, trampling the men he had pushed over.

He saw how one of the few knights on horse charged at him. He wore armor with the sigil of House Banefort and wielded a morningstar. He pulled on his reigns to turn his horse and quickly rode towards the knight, scattering a group of archers belonging to the same house as the incoming noble. He deflected the attack from the Morningstar with his sword before cutting at the back of the man's horse. The horse shrieked and threw of his rider. The man tried to stand up as he shouted. "I surrender Ser. I surrender."

"I don't take prisoners today." He responded grimly, as he slashed the knight's neck open.

He looked around and saw how a big part of the enemy force was being pushed into the river by his men. Another part, consisting of some fifteen hundred men were running across the river. He wanted to pursue them, but he couldn't do that without risking the battle here. So, he cursed and turned his horse and charged a group of archers in the back.

Half an hour later the slaughter was done. They had managed to kill or scatter two thirds of the enemy force on the southern bank but that damned Presley knight had managed to retreat the others. It didn't matter, the day was theirs. Sadly, there had been no more Lannisters in this camp, but he hoped the Banefort knight at least had some relation to them. He would not rest before he had the blood of the Kingslayer's kin on his sword. The man himself might be out of reach, his family wasn't and he would take their lives away like that Lannister cunt had done to Edd.

He gathered back his force and allowed them to loot the bodies and the camp. After, they would take care of their dead. They would join the army again before nightfall.

Robb

They had destroyed the Lannister force. It was an amazing victory. He had killed men, Grey Wind even more. He thought it would help against the pain, but it didn't. The only one, who he knew, that understood him at this moment was Jon, because he felt exactly the same.

He had gained a victory, saved a brother, an uncle and a grandfather but the one who he had set out to save, he had lost. Father was dead. Beheaded by the Lannisters. It seems that with his last breath he had kept his honor and managed to bring down the Lannister legitimacy.

They had gotten reports from people fleeing the city of how the city was on fire when they left. Nobles had either been driven in the Red keep or the Sept of Baelor. The gold cloaks had lost control in complete districts of the city and chaos reigned supreme. Street fights between the city watch and the people or between groups of citizens amongst themselves were common occurrence the first two days after his father's dead. They didn't have any news past that and hoped to get some soon.

In the meantime, Tywin had retreated towards Harrenhal. His scouts told him they had forced marched south, losing hundreds of men on the march. His force now probably only numbered between thirteen to fourteen thousand men and King's Landing was in flames.

It seems the Lannisters were on the brink of losing but he refused to underestimate Tywin Lannister. He would have a council later, after he had prayed. Some of his lords would want him to move on Harrenhal together with the foot under Lord Rickard. Theoretically he would well outnumber them.

However, all wasn't as good as it seemed. Already reports were coming in that Tywin Lannister was forcibly raising the troops of the Northern Crownlands. Some reports even said he was scouring villages around Harrenhal and forcing the men into his service. There was also talk of sellswords coming over from Essos. No, this war wasn't over yet. He had managed to save big parts of the Riverlands, that was sure, but they hadn't won yet.

First, he needed to pray. He hadn't seen a good weirwood tree since he had left Moat Cailin. All his Northern lords, except for the Manderlys, gathered around him and Jon with some of their kin. Together they marched to the Godswood. There they were joined by Lord Tytos Blackwood and his kin.

Kneeling in silence in front of the slender weirwood he prayed for the safety of the remainder of his family. He also prayed for revenge. He would take Joffrey's head for this and make him, and his family, pay. He asked the Gods for guidance how to proceed and to give him the strength to see this through.

As he sat there, between Jon and the Greatjon and with the rest of the lords behind him, they were disturbed by people arriving on the scene. He felt annoyed at that, couldn't they give him peace at a moment as this?

He turned his head around slightly to look who it was and saw two boys stand there looking out of breath. One had a canny resemblance to Lord Tytos, the other was Bran. His features immediately softened at the sight of his little brother. He waved him over and the boy ran to him. As he arrived, he sat up on his knee and grabbed his little brother in a silent hug. Soon Jon joined them and the three of them stood before the Gods like that.

He felt his brother's hot tears drop onto his tunic, but he didn't care. He looked up to his lords and saw how all looked onto them, none making a sound. "Bran, there will be a lot of time for us to be together. However, the lords and I would like to pray after the battle. Would you like to join us or will I see you later." He said with a reassuring smile.

His little brother looked at him and said. "I want to stay with you and Jon. Can I stay? I want to pray for father …"

He looked at the tears in his brother's eyes and nodded. All three of them kneeled down in front of the weirwood tree and prayed. He prayed that they would see his father's bones soon so they could lay him in the crypt with his father and siblings. He prayed that his father would be proud of him and would give him, Jon, Bran and the rest of their family the strength to go on. All the while, his right hand never left his little brother's shoulder, showing him that he wasn't alone.

Ten minutes later they all stood up again. Bran hugged him again and then Jon. Together they walked back into the Great Hall. "Grandfather is waiting for you, Robb. He wishes to meet you again. He saw you when he was a babe here apparently. He is very sick, but he watched the battle from on top of the gate with me. He is very proud of you, he said."

He smiled at his little brother then. Happy that he hadn't been alone when he had heard the news. He would see his grandfather, but not now. "I first have to convey a war council with the lords tonight. Tomorrow I will go see grandfather. I will spend the whole day with you, I promise." He smiled.

Bran obviously didn't like that, but he seemed to understand. He looked up at Jon and then back at him. "Can Jon come with us … you know with mother's family and stuff."

Jon looked at him in hesitation, clearly not knowing what to say. "He won't be able to join us when we first go to grandfather. The rest of the day we will all spend together though. Jon is our brother and one of my closest advisors besides. He will stay at my side and none of these Riverlords have anything to say against it, not even House Tully."

Now Bran did look happy, as Jon smiled too. "I also have someone else that would really like to see you."

Bran turned his head towards him. "Who?" He laughed at his brother. "Well the man has the audacity to call himself your favorite uncle." He said with a wink.

His brother looked at him strangely for a second, before his whole face lit up. "Really? Is uncle Brynden with you? Where is he?"

"He doesn't seem to have exaggerated." Jon said with a chuckle.

"He joined the army on the march here from the Twins. It was uncle Brynden that took down the northern camp by surprise." He responded. "He already entered the castle with uncle Edmure, who was freed. I don't know where they are now."

"I will go look for him then, while you have the war council." Bran said happily.

He looked sternly at his brother. "Bran, you know uncle Brynden. Do you really think he will want to miss the council?"

"No, …" his brother responded sadly. "but maybe he will let me join by his side?" he asked, a hesitant smile creeping up on his face. "He let me join one before, you know."

That took him by surprise. He looked at Jon, who had the same expression on his face. After a moment of silent conversation between Jon and him, the former shrugged. He clearly didn't mind too much.

"I will talk about it with Ser Brynden. If he thinks it is a good idea, you may join. However, you will sit with us. You are a Stark, the heir to Winterfell besides. Your place is with me and Jon." He said seriously.

At this his brother's face fell, clearly thinking about father and only now realizing his position. "Am I really the heir now?" he asked timidly.

"Yes, Bran, you are. Untill Alys and I get a son, you are the next in line. If something were to happen to me in this war, Jon can lead the army. He won't be lord, however, you will. Do you understand?" he said seriously. He hated that he needed to do this and explain this to his brother, but it was war and this needed to be said.

His brother nodded sadly. "I'll try to make sure nothing happens to our annoying brother, Bran. You know I'm better with a sword than he is, I'll keep him alive." Jon laughed and Bran sheepishly joined in.

"I'll have you prove that to me in the yard tomorrow, Snow. I won't get insulted without cause." He laughingly responded.

"It will be my pleasure, Stark." Jon replied with a mock bow.

They all laughed then, as Bran took both of their hands as he walked between them. After a while, he asked him. "That boy, who was with you, is that the Blackwood boy you talked about in your letters?"

Bran nodded. "Alyn Blackwood, Lord Tytos fourth son. He is my best friend! You know the Blackwoods are actually distant cousins of us? We have a great-great grandmother, called Melantha Blackwood. She was the wife of Lord William Stark and grandfather Rickard's grandmother. Maester Vyman told me all of this and showed me the family trees. Alyn and Lord Tytos descend from Melantha's elder brother." His brother told them, clearly very excited about the prospect of being distant kin of his friend.

"The Blackwoods have always been a respectful family, especially for us in the North. They are one of the few Southern houses to keep the Old Gods and some of the customs of the First Men. They are good friends to have. It is also nice that there is a connection between you and Alyn." He responded honestly and his brother seemed very glad about it.

They silently walked further until they saw the Blackfish walking in the yard.

"Uncle!" Bran shouted as he ran towards his hero. Ser Brynden saw him and smiled when the boy ran at him at full speed. When he got to him, the Blackfish picked him up and threw him high in the air. Bran's laugh could be heard over the entire courtyard. He set the boy down as they quickly started talking.

He made his way over to his uncle, but he stopped halfway as he saw that Jon was hanging back. "Come Jon."

"Are you sure? Your mother's family is …" Jon asked, clearly unsure about it all.

"Yes, I am. You're our brother and one of my commanders. You have already seen each other, and you will see a lot more of one another in the future. Just come with me." He said seriously but gently.

His brother nodded happily, and he saw some confidence coming back to his face. Together they walked to their little brother and his hero playing and chatting away in the middle of the yard.

"Uncle" he said respectfully when they came close. Jon, at the same time, said in his most respectful tone "Ser Brynden". "Ah, Robb! Bran here tells me you wanted him to join the war council?" the Blackfish responded, as he nodded towards Jon.

"No, I didn't." he said, throwing a nasty look at Bran, who hid behind their uncle's right leg. "I normally didn't want to, however, Bran said you have let him in on a war council before. So, I wanted to ask you first before deciding."

The grey-haired veteran frowned at that, as he looked at Bran. "Well, for me it would be alright. I think he'd learn a lot and it do him and the North good to see their new lord and heir together in a meeting like this, but I don't like him lying to get his place there."

"Sorry" Bran said softly as he looked at his feet.

Still getting used to the idea that he was now the Lord of Winterfell, he had a difficult time with thinking about his uncle's words. Finally, he nodded. "Good, then it will be done as such. However, Bran must sit next to me as the heir to Winterfell. I hope you don't mind?"

"Of course not, I totally understand. I will be sitting next to Edmure because Hoster can't be there." Ser Brynden responded.

"Very well." he agreed with his uncle. "Come Bran, I'll first explain to you how it goes in private. War councils in the North are slightly different." he said as he looked down at his little brother.

At this the eyes of his little brother went wide. He almost ran towards him, both excited and intrigued. As such they walked away, three brothers who weren't of age talking about state business and war councils.

What had just happened? He kept thinking over and over and over again. He had sat at the council, with Bran and Jon at his sides, and it had gone as expected until the topic of which king to support came up. All he had done was speak up against Renly, as he clearly had no right with his older brother Stannis in the picture.

Both had declared themselves king, after the scandal of the Lannister Queen's children came out because of his father. Renly had no right of it and when Stannis was talked about, many of the lords didn't seem very enthusiastic. Lyman Darry, one of Bran's friends even spoke up against it. The small boy sat there representing his house, as his father was locked in Castle Darry because of the Lannister presence.

The Darrys, just like the Goodbrooks, the Mootons and the Rygers had chosen the side of the Targaryens in the Rebellion. While most of those wounds had come to heal, all knew of how unforgiving Lord Stannis was. They feared further retribution for their houses, as seen in Ser Robin Ryger's support of the young Darry heir. Another one of Bran's friends Myles Mooton also supported him.

The talks about Stannis having taken on a witch from Asshai, didn't help either. The lords who believed in the Seven clearly didn't like this one bit. This destroyed his initial plan, as he had planned to call his banners for Stannis like his father. It was soon clear however, that most of the Riverlords refused this idea and even some of his own lords clearly weren't in favor.

The discussion kept going, as he quietly listened to what everyone had to say. Until the Greatjon spoke up, of course. Next thing he knew, he was crowned king.

He was crowned … king. Harry, Lady Maege, Lord Galbart, … all the Northern lords had joined and crowned him king. Even Domeric Bolton and Roose Ryswell had done so, accounting to almost every big Northern noble family. The only notable absentees being the Cerwyns, Hornwoods, Tallharts and some of the Mountain Clans. His father's friend Lord Medger and his son and his own friend Cley would follow, just like Lord Halys Hornwood and Ser Helman Tallhart, who were at the Twins. The Clans would jump at the idea of a Northern King, especially with his father's grandmother hailing from their ranks. So suddenly, he was officially the King of the whole North.

It hadn't stopped there either, suddenly Lords Blackwood, Bracken and Mallister all kneeled too. The rest of the Riverlords joined as well, even his uncles in the end.

Now he was king. King in the North and Trident, they were calling him. He didn't know what to do with it. The only thing he had wanted to come from the meeting was that they had decided they would once again send messages to his aunt Lysa. The letters told her of the battles won. This might encourage her to join them, if not they would contact the lords directly with news of Robert Arryn's possible ancestry.

Another big discussion had started on what to do with the Kingslayer. Some, like Harry and surprisingly Lady Maege wanted him dead. They called upon themselves that Lord Rickard and Lord Halys would demand it too after the loss of their sons. Other nobles, like Roose Ryswell who's brother was captured by Lord Tywin or some of the Riverlords, were more cautious. Most were undecided it seemed.

He had decided to delay the matter. He had stated that he would only release the Kingslayer in exchange for independence, nothing less. This had at least pleased most of his vassals for now. If Lord Tywin would give them that and more, he was willing to negotiate.

After deciding this, he had needed to get out. He had just stood up and left, leaving everything behind. He was only followed by two loyal guards from Winterfell and his faithful companion Grey Wind. He needed to think, and he needed to be alone to do so.

They were clearly winning this war. They had destroyed one of the two armies and damaged the other. Due to death, capture or desertion, the Lannisters must have lost close to twenty thousand troops. All the while he and his forces had lost but a fourth of that amount. The Riverlords had lost a lot more, due to his uncle's defeat and certain keeps and smaller forces being destroyed by the Lannisters, but even with those added the Lannisters had had it far worse.

They also had captives. Tywin's own golden son but also two of his sister's son's Cleos and Tion Frey and his brother's son Martyn. Many other nobles and lords of the Westerlands were also in their custody. All the Lannisters had in comparison was some noble captives, most notably Rickard Ryswell, some Freys, Lord Medger Cerwyn and Ser Donnel Locke. He had over twice the amount of nobles they had.

All in all, he was in the perfect position to negotiate from a winning position, but all he wanted for it was gone. He could have negotiated for his father, but his father was no more. What did he want?

One side of him wanted to rip out the eyes of all the Lannisters as he burned their lands and tarnished their reputation. He wanted to put the heads of Tywin, Jaime, Cersei and all their bastard children on a pike, while he burned King's Landing to the ground.

The other side of him just wanted to be done with this. Protect his people, now including those of the Riverlands, and bring them peace and stability while preparing them for winter.

Both sides were constantly in conflict with each other but now the first one took over and he decided to go visit the Kingslayer himself. He told his guards to go towards the tower cell. His faithful direwolf didn't need any instruction, he just darted of towards the tower. It was strange how they understood each other. Like no words were ever needed.

The Tully guards outside the cell looked strangely at him, but none dared to refuse him entry. Probably on the basis that he looked a lot like old Lord Hoster Tully. He didn't think they would have heard about his kinship just yet, but you never knew.

He walked up towards the cell and looked inside of the metal bars. There he saw him, the man that killed his friend and brother-in-law. The man that had maimed Osric for life. He was sitting on some dirty straw. His blond locks were dirty and brown because of the travel and captivity to bring him here. The one thing that never changed was his cocky smile though.

"Ah boy, have you finally come to see me?" the man laughed, but he didn't care.

One of the Tully guards opened the cell on his orders, and he walked in with Grey Wind close behind. When seeing the wolf, the Kingslayer's confidence plummeted. He felt pleasure as he saw the man's smile finally disappear from his face, still he said nothing.

He walked over to the man and saw that both his arms and legs were in chains. The chains were connected to the wall, only providing just the right mobility needed to move in the whole of the cell.

The Kingslayer stood and he looked him in the eye until he finally saw his scar and smiled. His pretty face was forever tainted by a scar running across the whole of his cheek. Seeing his smile, the man's face turned angry. "A gift from your father," he said, "I gave him a much worse one. I don't think the man will ever walk again."

"No, he won't." he said stoically. "Not because of you, mind you. Because of your bastard son. Joffrey took his head." He continued, anger slipping into his voice.

At this the Kingslayer's green eyes closed to slits. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that my father is dead. Joffrey beheaded him, just after my father revealed the secret of his parentage. Your bastard was to late however, the whole city rebelled against your son and sister. From the latest accounts we have, whole parts of the city are in open rebellion." He answered, closely watching the man's reaction.

A mix of emotions shot through the man's eyes. Surprise, shock, anger, but also concern clearly visible. "You and my father scarred each other Kingslayer. Although none of the events leading up to the fight were fair, I suppose the fight itself was. You showed yourself to be the better sword." He said matter-of-factly. No point in denying it, he had seen the man fight in the Whispering Wood, he was a demon with a sword in his hand.

"What your son did wasn't remotely fair though. He took my father's head, just like that. No negotiations, no nothing. Now I ask myself, just like the father's scarred each other, might the son's not get even too? Why not take your head and send it to him with a little message? A father for a father, something like that maybe?" he continued, his voice completely devoid of any emotion, as he looked upon the man's neckline and thought how he would feel if he sliced Ice through it.

"It would be kind of poetic, don't you think? Even Ice would get it's revenge." he said as he motioned towards the Valyrian Steel sword strapped on his back.

The Kingslayer's face turned whiter with every word he outed. He saw how the man's eyes looked from him towards the pummel of the sword and back. Fear clearly visible in his eyes.

"I won't though, not yet at least. I'll give your father my terms when I see fit. If he accepts them, you might even survive. If he proves as dishonest as his grandson, twice-over, … well, lucky for him he has another son I suppose." He said, seeing the man gain some color again, before all of it left an instance.

"I will give you a reminder from me. Something to remember me by. Something for your sister to think of when she looks upon your face. Something to satisfy my vengeance for now." He continued grimly, as he slowly took out Ice.

He saw the fear in the men's eyes and before he could do anything, he was on his back with Grey Wind on top of his belly as he growled deeply. "Now keep your head still, Kingslayer. Unless you want to lose your head, that is." Ice flew through the air and scratched along the Kingslayer's face. The man's short scream pierced the air.

"Yes, that will do." He said satisfied, as he looked upon the wound that he had given the man's cheek. It almost completely matched the one his father gave him. "Now you will remember both father and son forever." He finished as he turned around and walked away.

"Have the Maester come to take a look at him, I don't want him to die for now." He said to one of the stunned Tully guards. The man nodded fiercely and walked up to close the cell. "Grey Wind, to me." He said simply. The wolf growled heavily at the wounded man below him and bit down one time, less than an inch from the man's face. After that he stood up happily and joined him again. They walked away together, as he heard the cell close behind him.

(The next day)

Bran

He was sitting in Robb's room with both of his elder brothers. Robb had asked for their breakfast to be brought up to his room so they could enjoy the morning with the three of them. It had been the best morning in a long time for him. Robb and Jon told him many stories of their adventure south so far and he told them about his time in Riverrun. His eldest brother had even ordered food to be brought up for their wolves, who were all playing in front of the fire.

Apparently Robb had had him betrothed, while he was married already. He had married under the weirwood in Moat Cailin. Mother, Jon, Sansa and baby Rickon had been there. The only absentees were Arya, who was assigned to the role of the Stark in Winterfell, himself, who was in Riverrun and father, who had died now.

Thinking about father made him sad again and soon his brothers noticed, and they asked him what was wrong. "I was thinking about father, …" He responded softly.

He saw the same hurt he felt flash over both their faces and for a moment they were all silent. Finally, Jon spoke up "How did you hear Bran?"

"The Lannisters told us … they shouted it in front of the walls to demoralize it. They even let a raven from King's Landing through … After I heard the news, I went to grandfather Hoster. He was weak and very sleepy, but we talked a little and he made me feel better. I don't know how but I had felt it coming. I had had a dream about father's death some days before and Summer had howled loudly that night as if he had lost someone." He explained sadly.

He saw how both his brothers looked at each other for a while before Robb looked at him strangely. "I had the same dream." His brother said with a weird look on his face, "and so did Jon." He now looked to Jon, who nodded, and then back to Robb.

"What does this mean?" he asked them.

"I don't know." Jon replied. "Grey Wind also howled that night. Ghost was silent as ever, but he seemed very restless and stood watchful next to Grey as he howled. "

"So, the wolves knew? And we did too, because of the same dream?" he asked them.

"It seems so." Robb said.

They all looked at each other weirdly. After a long moment of silence, he asked "Have any of you had other weird dreams." As he said it, he looked at Summer.

"What do you mean with weird dreams?" Robb asked suspisciously.

He wanted to take it all back and laugh it off but something in Robb's face stopped him from doing so. He looked at Jon and he also looked uncomfortable. They were his brothers, he could tell them this, right?

"Well … sometimes I dream that I'm a wolf, not just a wolf … I dream that I'm Summer. I can see Riverrun's small Godswood or the inside of the keep. One time I even saw myself sleep, I think. It shocked me so badly that I woke up and when I looked around the room, I saw Summer sitting there and looking at me." He admitted.

At this both his brothers looked shocked. Robb wanted to say something, that was clear but he held back. Suddenly Jon said "I've been dreaming I'm a wolf too. I don't know if it's Ghost but my paws were white and I was running through woods and streams. One night I heard sounds like an army that was passing. I didn't know what it meant."

Now both he and Robb looked shocked at Jon. It was clear to him that he was dreaming he was Ghost, like he did with Summer. He quickly turned to Robb. "So, do you dream of Grey too?"

His brother looked shocked and a little scared at the question. Jon nudged him on and finally he responded. "I have dreamt that I was running in the woods as a wolf too. I once dreamt of a hunt and the wolf I was caught a deer and ate it. When I woke up, I just went on with my day as normal but just as I was about to leave my tent Grey entered. His mouth was covered in blood from a recent kill. I don't know, it still freaks me out until this day."

He was getting excited at this. He and his brothers were all dreaming of their wolves. "Did you have any more dreams after that?" he asked quickly.

"Yes, but just normal ones like running around through forests and valleys." His brother responded.

"This, this is amazing! We all dream of them." He said as he looked at their wolves. All his brothers followed suit and looked at their companions in front of the fire. Suddenly they all turned and looked back at them. Summer looked deeply in to his eyes and somehow he thought the wolf knew what they were talking about, like if they felt it too when they ran together.

Suddenly Robb exclaimed. "Does Grey also look weirdly to you, as if he understands?"

"No," Jon exclaimed, and he heard Robb sigh next to him. "but Ghost does, looks like he is saying that he was there too or something. Now he and Robb looked at Jon. "Like what?" Robb exclaimed loudly.

"Like, I don't know, like he was telling me 'I remember our runs too' or something." Jon said and Robb looked at him with his mouth wide open. "Summer did the same to me, it looked like he said to me that he remembered that night looking at each other." Now both his brothers abruptly turned their hands towards him.

"What does this mean?" Robb asked.

"Well, the only thing I can think of are wargs and skinchangers. You remember them right, from Old Nan's tales?" Jon asked.

Both he and Robb nodded. "Aren't skinchangers the bad guys in every story?" Robb finally asked.

Now he and Jon looked sad at each other. He looked again to Summer, "That can't be, Summer can't be bad!" he shouted.

"I agree with Bran, Ghost would never hurt someone if I didn't want him to do so." Jon said calmer than he expected.

"Okay, well I think it's best we keep this to ourselves for now. I don't think the others will understand." Robb said diplomatically.

"Agreed," said Jon. "however, we need to tell each other of every dream now. Together we can figure this out."

They all nodded. "Wait, would Sansa and Arya have the same dreams about their wolves? Baby Rickon maybe too?" he asked.

At this his brother's looked stunned. "Maybe, …" Robb answered. "If you see how Arya is around that wolf, I wouldn't be surprised. Shaggydog also follows around Rickon like his shadow and when Rickon cries he always becomes unruly."

"Yes," Jon responded. "and Lady behaves just like Sansa does. She is always the best mannered wolf of the litter. Nymeria never listens and Lady always does, just like Arya and Sansa." His brother whispered the last parts.

"Can we ask them?" he said aloud.

"You can, soon." Robb responded, suddenly his Lord's voice coming back.

"What'd you mean?" He asked.

"Bran, you are my heir now … the crown prince of the North and the Riverlands. Riverrun is no safe place for you now. I will be sending you home with an escort. You will go back to Winterfell to be with the rest of the pack." Robb responded seriously.

"What? You are sending me away now?" he shouted.

"Not immediately no. Jon and I want to spend time with you, but in a week or two you should leave for Winterfell." Robb said, more compassionately this time.

"But, but where would you two go? And what about Ser Brynden and Alyn and my other friends? What about my fostering with House Tully?" he exclaimed quickly one after the other.

Now Jon spoked up. "Robb, your uncle and I will need to fight this war. After that we will come back with you."

"Yes," Robb added. "we will come home after ending the Lannisters. You can even go back here when the war is over. I'm the King now, I can send you wherever I please, even if mother disagrees."

He looked shocked at his brother. "You can, can't you? You can order mother now?"

"Yes," his brother sighed. "I can. I won't if I don't need to do though. I also promise you that I will send you back here when the war is over."

He nodded at that, still stunned. He also liked the idea of seeing mother and his sisters again. He even missed baby Rickon and he knew Summer missed his other siblings too.

"Okay … but what about Alyn and my other friends?" he asked, not wanting to leave them behind.

"I'm sure I can arrange with Lord Hoster and Lord Tytos for Alyn to be fostered in Winterfell with you, until the time arrives to come back. I'm not so sure about the others. Darry is the heir to his father and the man is entrenched against the Lannisters. The same for House Mooton, Maidenpool is under threat now. I can't really ask their fathers for their permission, but I will look into it. Maybe they can come up later when we have freed their lands from the immediate threats."

"Okay, thank you Robb." He said, glad that Alyn would join him. Besides, Robb was king now, he could find a way to send Lymand and Myles up too.

At that moment a knock was heard on the door. Robb frowned. "I demanded to not be disturbed!" he muttered.

"Who is it?" he calmly but loudly asked.

"Harrion Karstark, m'Lord, euh Your Grace, he wishes to speak to you immediately." His guard called out.

"Harry?" he heard his brother whisper, before calling out. "Let him in."

Harrion walked in, he remembered him well from Winterfell, but his beard and hair were longer now. He looked more like his father now, a true wild and dangerous man of the North.

"Your Grace, My prince, Jon." The man said respectfully as he nodded to all three of them.

"Take a seat, Harry. Have you broken your fast yet?" Robb asked.

The man sat down in front of him and responded. "Yes, thanks Robb."

"Harry here is family too now, Bran. With me marrying Alys and things." Robb said to him and he nodded to his elder brother.

"Why have you come, Harry?" his brother asked. "Well, I heard you visited the Kingslayer yesterday."

"Yes, I did." Robb said. Not betraying anything. He felt curious about this. He hadn't heard anything from Robb about the Kingslayer after his capture.

"Heard you cut the man, although he still lives?" the older man asked.

"Yes, I gave him a scar with Ice, identical to the one my father gave him. I wanted to take his head like his bastard son took my father's. A father for a father kind of thing. I couldn't do it, I still need him. He might convince Tywin to accept independence." His brother said and Jon hissed at him. "Robb, Bran is here! Please keep it civil."

Robb looked at him then. "It is winter now, Jon. The wolves need to wake up. The time to be a child is over, even for Bran."

Jon nodded at him sadly as he went over to him and gave him a hug. His brother looked into his eyes and when he nodded that he was fine, Robb continued to Harrion. "What about it, Harry?"

"If you decide to kill him, I want to do it. Same for any other Lannisters or their kin. For Edd and Os, I must do it. The Karstarks deserve their revenge." Harrion said grimly.

Robb looked at the bearded man for a long time, before finally responding. "If I promise you this, with the exception of Lord Tywin, Cersei and her bastards who are mine, will you accept my command that they are not to be touched for now?"

The two men looked each other in the eye then. "Aye" was the only thing the Karstark heir said after a while.

"Good, then I promise you so. If the negotiations fail and I order retribution, you will be able to do it." Robb said grimly.

The other man looked at him before he put a hand on Robb's shoulder. "Thank you, Robb. You know the North remembers. We need our revenge. My father, Torr and I want to repay the Lannisters tenfold. Will you allow us?"

"Aye, I do." Robb said seriously. "If peace isn't possible, you will be able to pay them in blood tenfold. If peace is archieved, they will pay you in other means. Cattle, gold, hostages, … They will remember the Karstark name regardless."

Harrion looked at Robb then. "I would prefer blood, but I will accept the rest if it frees the North from the shackles of the South." He then stood up and left.

Robb and Jon looked towards each other then. Somehow, he felt that the war wasn't over yet for his brothers.

This is all for this chapter!

This is by far the biggest chapter I have written yet. How do you feel about?

Quick summary:

- Only 1500 men will reach the Golden Tooth instead of the canon 4000. (More Riverlanders have survived so the numbers are now much different everywhere)

- They destroyed the additional forces from Tywin that reinforced Jaime.

- Robb is crowned the King in the North and the Trident.

- Lysa gets a last chance.

- Jaime is maimed once more.

- Bran, Jon and Robb start to realize their warging skills.

- A lot of bonding happens between the three brothers. Bran will go home soon.

- Robb promises Harrion Karstark revenge and the Karstarks accept to hold off.

Thank you all for the massive support!

Fannic

Reviews:

- Kuman: Halys Hornwood survived the Battle of the Green Fork. So House Hornwood survives for now, but it has no heir. There are multiple claimants: nephews, a bastard and even cousins etc. Halys will decide what happens with Robb.

The Blackfish is amazing.

Yes they will! Not everyone will act though. Some will deny the accusations out of loyalty towards the Lannisters, others out of fear or greed. Stannis has already crowned himself much sooner than in canon thereby strengthening his claim. The Riverlords don't like however so Robb is still the King. Ned pushing for Jon was suicide, nobody of the people in King's Landing even know of Jon's existence.

Robb doesn't play nice, but he plays it strategic. If Tywin plays with Robb, Jaime will pay. He wants to achieve peace though and cutting Jaime's hand would just enrage Tywin for now.

- Jon 'Fatjon' Umber: Thank you! I lover your name btw.

- Alek Sands: He still has some use, but he is a lot more vulnerable now.

- Angeluszuko-z: Jaime is still valuable. One misstep from Tywin and nothing holds Robb back from sending Jaime back, one finger at a time. Robb is less willing than in canon but he excepts out of the love for his people. He is also more Northern minded because of the Karstark upbringing, so the idea of an independent North soots him. The Riverlords also detest Stannis and he doesn't want to leave his mother's family and Bran's friends hang out to dry.

- Kingmaneana: Not yet, but all is still possible on that front. Making hasty decisions like that (by himself and his mother) cost Robb his head in canon. Here he is much more strategic in diplomacy as well.

- Greatazuredragon: Thank you! It will! Tywin's position is weaker than it has ever been now.

- Jaimerey7000: All still possible.

- Alfil94: The deal with the Frey's is very interesting. Lord Walder just lost two of his arranged betrothals and the third (Domeric) doesn't want it. Could create some problems in the future! ;-)

House Hornwood will come in the next chapters.

Yes, the Blackfish is amazing. However, Robb also needs him. So it is trade off between offense and defense where the Blackfish will be.

1. No, Robb will never just leave The Riverlands. They are also too valuable. The Riverlands is one of the main food producers in Westeros. Securing it could feed the North through every winter.

2. Almost happened, but the rumors of Melisandre and Stannis reputation killed this path. Robb wanted this but his vassals couldn't and he wants to do best for his people.

3. Robb would never do this over Stannis. Renly also didn't help his father so that could create problems in the future.

4. Could happen, but I changed nothing substantial in the Renly and Stannis arches until now. So unless something major happens, it would be a deus ex machina which I severely dislike. The Targaryens are far off but will come to Westeros like in canon.

Jaime has been explained above.

Thanks for the long review!

- Cravensvt: Thank you! The ripples of it will be massive, especially in King's Landing. More on that later.

- Force Smuggler: Yes, they will! They basically lost control of half of the city and their forces to reclaim it are too small. More on that later.

- Daviddoedah: I thought them small too, but they check out with canon. The extra cavalry that Robb brought South (some 200) went with Rickard's army. So not much changed there. His army is a lot bigger due to the Blackfish and the Riverlords that didn't reach Edmure. Especially the latter are a huge number of troops wandering around the Riverlands even now. The Riverlords will be able to muster more than in canon, because less fighting happened and less Houses were involved under Riverrun.

- Peregrine Prince: Thank you! I fixed the anachronistic langue in the chapter. In reviews or author's notes they don't really matter I think.

Brynden never was in the Vale. He went to Riverrun with Bran. So, he went from Riverrun through the middle/south of the Riverlands with an all cavalry force (much faster than Tywin's army) and then just east of Harrenhall he turned north, did a few small circles and joined with Robb. All in all, he marched only a bit more than Tywin's army did so I think it possible.

- Poly19hum: Thank you! Yeah, more importantly Ned knew he was going to die anyway and he had nothing to lose.

- Dullreign82: Maybe.

- Osterreicher97: The revolt itself is huge and will have big effects.

- Alter321: Thank you! You even get the biggest chapter yet! :-)

- TheNiemand: Jon definitely is doing that and Robb is happy for it. He knows he can trust Jon unconditionally and it helps him immensely for him to be there.

- Guest1: Arya already got out of the Frey betrothal in the negotiations at the Twins. Only Bran is betrothed and Robb married, all the other Stark children are free on the market for Robb to use politically.

- Guest2: Thank you! Well yeah, just like in canon. There were more in front but Jaime broke through the initial lines with a suicidal charge. He almost got Robb, almost.