Robb Stark

The Kingsroad, 300AC

It was rare his father talked about the rebellion. Any time even a word of it popped up, Eddard had simply stared at whoever had mentioned it and the topic was immediately dropped. But the rare few times where he did talk about it, he had never once mentioned how long it took to rally troops. It had been more than a month since they had left Winterfell, and only now were they closing in on Moat Cailin which if they were heading straight there, they would've been at by the end of the week. But this couldn't happen.

First, he'd had to wait on every House that resided north of Winterfell to arrive before heading out. From there, it was a trip south west to Torrhen's Square. Flanked at his back were the Bolton's of the Dreadfort, the Umber's of Last Hearth, the Flint's of the clan of the said name, the Glover's of Deepwood Motte, the Karstark's of Karhold, and dozens of other heads of House's who held small holdfasts and some only with land but held a lot of say in the sparse Kingdom he called his home. At least he had visited Torrhen's Square a few times in his life, it being so close to Winterfell he would accompany his father there often.

Lord Helman had been pleased to accept him, already standing with a tray loaded with bread and salt as custom dictated. With his son Benfred, daughter Eddara, his brother Leobald, alongside his own sons Brandon and Beren standing beside him, all bowing their heads as a sign of respect. Whilst Robb technically wasn't the Warden of the North yet, he was the acting Warden, and a title of such garnered a lot of respect. People had not so quietly been muttering regarding his age, and he had a plan in mind to put this to rest. But it would have to wait until everyone was rallied.

It was a stupid assumption by all accounts. Them seemingly forgetting Eddard had been only a few months older than Robb when he was thrust into the Paramount position and having to travel through to rally his men to fight in the rebellion. It was a thought that passed through Robb's mind frequently, and he knew deep down that many would not take to the truth kindly that it had all been for nought. They had remained there for a little more than a week before they had mustered the strength they could, the size of the army beginning to make his mind spin in ways he never thought would've been possible. Especially knowing that they were following him.

It was a position he had been groomed for the moment he had been born. Being raised with the best education a person could get and being asked to sit in on court and meetings to soak everything up like he were a sponge. He'd like to think he was good at it, but he had also never put to the test. It was on the fourth day that Lord Ludd Whitehill had appeared, finally stirring from Highpoint. He had been annoyed about that, considering they were located further north than Winterfell and he had expected them to arrive with everyone else. No question needed to be asked in relation to that though, the Lord in question requesting his own men be as far away from the Forrester men as possible. Those two House's had been at loggerheads seemingly forever, and it was only amplified when Asher Forrester had absconded with Gwyn Whitehill leading to the elder being banished. The Whitehill's were adamant that Asher had loved her, but the Forrester's were convinced that she must've manipulated him to their side in their spat regarding the land of the Wolfswood.

Robb sighed deeply as he thought on this. There was one thing everyone could agree on, Northerner's were stubborn. Nothing would budge them in their thought processes. Whilst he had wanted to command them to get over it temporarily, that would not end up well for him, something his mother had wholly agreed with. Whilst she was still somewhat new to how the North ran, she had stated that said two House's reminded her of her fathers own struggles with Jonos Bracken and Tytos Blackwood. Hence, when they had finally left Torrhen's Square, he had agreed to Ludd's request and had him situated to the far right and Gregor had been commanded to remain near the left. Therefore planting many others between them which would hopefully help with their prickly prides.

From there, they had travelled straight east to Castle Cerwyn. Lord Medger much like Lord Tallhart had been awaiting him. Much like Helman, he knew Medger well as he regularly came up to Winterfell whether just to sit and talk with his father or to discuss any kinds of trades with him. The man seemed to be fond of him, and this was shown as they had all ridden through the gates to be met with a small smile from the other. But it didn't pass his mother's watchful gaze that he had given him a side-eye, but she had waited until they were in solitude to bring it up. Understandably they were distrustful of him, he had never fought a battle before. Had not even worn a real sword at his hip when he wasn't training in any other way, and they were naturally silently questioning his abilities of leading an army.

There was some saving grace to this though, because with him having Lord Leobald with him now, this automatically brought the Hornwood's into the fold due to him being married to Berena. Instead of them having to travel further east, said House had simply decided to meet them at the halfway point which cut their time massively. But with time being cut, it only made the inevitable ebb deeper within. Lord Halys had greeted him curtly as had his son Daryn, but not much else was said. His people were like that; straight to the point no matter how rude it sounded. It was just how they were raised. Remembering a saying his father always muttered that if a person took offense to a statement of truth, they needed smacked across the face. At the time, he had simply laughed at it, but it became obvious now that it was true.

A raven had been sent to White Harbour then to Lord Wyman Manderly. Robb had hated the lessons where Maester Luwin lectured him on how each House was interlinked in one way or another, but he understood the importance of it. First with the Hornwood's, and now with arguably the richest House in the North bar the Stark's themselves. With Lord Halys' wife being Donella Manderly who was Lord Wyman's cousin, this tied them into the fold. Due to them being so close to where they currently were in Westeros, it took four days to receive a response, Lord Wyman confirming he was summoning the best of his men and would meet him at Moat Cailin. Now, there was nothing more to it. His own banners had all been rallied and they had set out the following day towards Moat Cailin.

Fear of the unknown began to eat him up inside as this had been the furthest south he had ever been, and he would be moving even further south than this. There was a saying amongst the Stark's that they don't bode well outside of their own Kingdom and this ate him up inside. It took them six days before the massive fortress that now lay in ruin was in sight. His eyes widening in surprise. Of course, he had known it was large, but the sheer scale of the castle shook him to his core. Wondering what it must've looked like in its prime. A castle that had never been taken from the south before, and he could see why. With it sitting atop a large hill with jagged rocks and spikes sticking out of it. If it weren't falling from the hill, it was being skewered by a spike. And if it wasn't this, then one of the arrows of the men who manned said castle that took a person out.

As he was expecting, the remainder of the Northern army were already camped on the outer grounds. From a quick estimation, there seemed to be around six hundred give or take a few dozen. Combined with the amount he already had behind him, this bringing the total to twenty thousand. Just thinking of that number made him feel like numerous butterflies had escaped cocoons within his stomach. But it was something he could not show, fear gripping him tightly as he had arranged his first official war meeting. Where he and the heads of all House's would discuss everything in detail and come up with a plan. He had always believed the Neck to be nothing but bogs, but everywhere he looked out of the room he had been assigned, all he saw were trees and fields spanning as far as the eye could see.

Jon was nearby, another thought that was adding to the maze already forming inside his head. What was he planning? He must've been coming up with something last minute considering the betrayal he had been struck with. There was a silver lining to that though, as it led to him discussing with Aurane often on it. People were looking to the Valyrian strangely, some muttering why he was here in the first place. Something he had put his foot down on and explained his brother had tasked him to come to Winterfell to finalise a trade deal with the Reed's. Many gave him wary looks at the claim, but they didn't have anything else to say on the matter because there was no proof this wasn't the case.

A long table was set up for them all, it being obvious he was the youngest there. The irony of it all, the youngest person in said meeting was the one they were all following. Feeling Grey Wind at his feet remaining ominously quiet which was rare for him. It was Ghost who never made a peep, his own wolf was normally rather loud, but his companion likely understood the seriousness of it all. Direwolves were said to be incredibly smart beasts, and it was clear to him now that the stories had not undermined such a statement. Once everyone was standing around the table, three words fell from his lips.

"Shall we begin?"

His voice had gotten deeper as of late, a deep northern brawl leaving him that he was sure had not been there before he had left Winterfell. Perhaps it had and he had simply only noticed now. His mother and Ser Brynden were nowhere to be seen, her likely briefing her uncle in on everything. After the man's shock of hearing the truth and who exactly he was planning on backing, he was beginning to come around to the idea. But Tully stubbornness was strong, something he knew from years of experience the few times his parents had gotten into disagreements. Ale was guzzled down at a rate that would have southerners blushing in embarrassment, but they were all used to it. It getting steadily louder and more boisterous as time went on. It was only once all the alcohol available had been consumed that he had stood up with a slight wobble as his head span a little.

"My Lord's, it gladdens me so that you have all rallied your banners to our cause. Especially after what happened the last time. Whilst I was nothing but a quickening in my mother's womb at the time, I was brought up with stories regarding my father and him doing exactly as I am currently. Then, it was to get justice for the murders of my grandfather and uncle, alongside the disappearance of my aunt. Now, it is to get justice for my father as the Lannister's spread their filthy lies regarding him being an oathbreaker."

He had been careful to emit what they believed to have happened with Lyanna, knowing it was definitely not the time yet to break that dam. That, he would leave to Jon and Howland when they finally reunite.

"Us Northerner's are proud, and we stand up for what is right. My father currently lies in one of the black cells of the Red Keep awaiting a trial simply for figuring out the truth. If you haven't already heard the rumours, the truth of Lord Jon Arryn's death was solved. Not who killed him, but why he was killed. Queen Cersei has been lying to everyone. Her children are not Robert Baratheon's, they are her twin brothers."

Numerous mutterings of disgust broke the silence at this. Whilst it was beginning to spread throughout Westeros, this was the first time he had said so aloud.

"I received a raven from Joffrey Waters asking me to come south to bend the knee for exchange of my father. It is one I responded to with a firm rejection. I refuse to stand behind a bastard playing King and I am sure many of you feel the same way. Lord Umber, you will be heading the cavalry. Lord Glover, you will take the vanguard-"

Lord Jon Umber suddenly let out a laugh which caught his attention, snapping around to face the giant of a man.

"For thirteen years I have been making corpses out of men boy. I am the man, and you want me in the vanguard."

This, they had already discussed, and it got ominously silent as he glared at the man, him glaring at Robb with equal amounts of fury. Lips tightening into a thin line and out the corner of his eye, spotting a flash of auburn in the corner. He was tempted to look directly to her, but he knew that would make him look like he was unsure, and that was something he could not have currently.

"Galbart Glover will lead the vanguard. You are forgetting here, my Lord, I am your Paramount in all but name."

"The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover! I will lead the van."

Robb looked to the table at this, feeling Grey Wind awaken at his feet. It was now so silent in the room he swore he could've heard a pin drop on the stone. One question on authority was enough for a trial to them, and two was normally enough clause to have someone executed. But what signal would that give to the Northern Lord's? It wouldn't look good on him at all, meaning this wasn't a viable option despite it being what duty dictated.

"And if I don't. I will take my men and I will march them home."

The words were already harsh on his ears, but now he was seeing red. Now, he wasn't just questioning authority, he was talking to him like he were speaking to a child. Some people were biting their lips at their byplay, not knowing what he was going to do. Thinking quietly for a few moments before staring him directly in the eye.

"You are more than welcome to do so, Lord Umber. And when I am done with the Lannister's, I will march back North and root you out of your Keep and I will have you hanged as an oathbreaker."

Despite his heart pounding heavily within his ribcage currently, the words came out steady and full of assurance that he most certainly was not feeling. The words had the desired affect as he suddenly stood up, unsheathing his sword and yelling.

"Oathbreaker is it? I will not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass-"

Robb snapped his fingers and a moment later, the wolf leaped onto the table and ran across straight for Lord Umber. He had barely enough time to comprehend what was happening before the wolf was atop him, knocking him over. Grey Wind still had a lot of growing to do, but he was still incredibly fearsome. The sheer panic that had danced in the elders eyes for that single moment that lasted an eye blank before he had disappeared from view under an array of grey and white. A loud ripping sound echoing through the room alongside a yell of pain followed by another distinct ripping sound. Whereas the first had clearly been clothing, the second obviously wasn't. Fighting nausea away to the back of his mind as he kept a stern expression on his face, refusing to break eye contact with the scene.

"My Lord father taught me it was death to bare steel against your Liege Lord. Doubtless, the Greatjon only meant to cut my meat for me."

The threat was clear as the other Lord's were looking to him and to Lord Umber on the ground. Grey Wind had finally gotten off the man and walked back over to Robb, snout and around his mouth covered in dark red blood. It felt like hours had passed before the man finally stood up, cradling his left hand with his right, blood seeping down his pale skin and he could see the stumps of where two of his fingers had been only minutes before.

"Your meat is bloody tough."

The words were now laced with a slight tinge of respect, understanding now he had been goading him to see if he was worth following. And then, he threw his head back and let out a laugh. A mirthful laugh that quickly caught on. Before he knew it, everyone in the room was chuckling deeply, a grin forming on his face. That had worked better than intended. Whilst he had intended to use Grey Wind to threaten them somewhat to show authority, he didn't mean for the wolf to maim one of those following. But it done the trick. Whilst they likely still saw him as a green boy as Jon Umber had so eloquently put it, it was clear now that he did have the blood of the Kings of Winter running through his veins. Something very few of them could say they had. The planning by now had turned into a massive gathering, Robb deciding enough was enough and left. Glad he had gotten them to at the least see him as more than a little boy. His mother was standing vigilantly by the door, not wanting to get in on it all as despite all these years, she was very much still a southerner at heart. Something the Lord's still weren't wholly happy with. She was wearing a proud grin on her face but he also caught the way her eyes were straining, understanding immediately she was hiding something. Robb followed her up to the quarters where they were all staying and the moment they entered the corridor where their rooms were situated- he heard the Blackfish yelling in anger.

"What has happened?"

The question was asked with a slight tinge of authority to it but he got his answer as she pulled out a piece of parchment she had in her sleeve and handing it to him for him to read over. Confusion clouding his thoughts as he tried to make out the wording of it as the writing was incredibly messy. If he'd thought Jon's was bad, Jon's looked like Sansa's perfectly neat cursive in comparison to this mess. But a single sentence did stick out to him. A lion does not concern itself with the opinions of a sheep. Except, the sheep portion had been scored out and atop it the word 'trout' was written. What did that- then it hit him.

"Mother?"

"Jaime Lannister has laid siege to Riverrun. My brother and father are currently being held within the walls with no means of escape as all exits with the moat have been covered."

That explained Ser Brynden's yelling then. His brother and nephew were being held captive and he couldn't do anything about it. And Robb was not stupid with these things, knowing it was probably Lysa's actions which had caused such a thing.

"Shouldn't the Kingslayer be in Kings Landing still with his nephew-son?"

"That was my initial thought too on the matter. My guess is Tywin ordered him. Even Joffrey and Cersei aren't stupid enough to go against him."

This was not good. Not good at all. The plan was to meet with Jon and head for Riverrun to speak to his grandfather to get him in on their plot. Something they couldn't do if said castle was being held under siege. When they entered the room, he noticed Brynden's face was practically beet red in anger but he let out a loud sigh of relief when he appeared.

"How did it go?"

"Well uncle, with a little help from Grey Wind."

It was quiet for a few seconds before he snorted aloud, understanding he had used his wolf to threaten them.

"Please tell me this cousin of yours has a trick up his sleeve. Other than dragons that is which I still find hard to believe."

He bit his lip at this before shaking his head in the negative. Clearly they had underestimated what they were up against and now they were in a difficult position both politically and strategically. Whilst they do have the largest wildcard, Jon would not use Rhaegon and Lyrax unless he had to.

"He'll probably have heard what's happening already, if not he will know soon. If his spies are reliable enough which seems like they very well could be. Lord Howland has already been summoned to arms like everyone else and is likely riding this way as we speak."

They discussed the matter well into the night. They had to get to Riverrun to bulk up their forces, and the only way they were going to do so was if they broke the siege that had been set up. But how large was the siege? How many people were outside? What kind of weapons did they all have? The only way they could've gotten this was if they used a spy, but who could he trust to such a position? The answer to that came the following morning. He had awoken with a splitting headache as he had never drank so much, a wince escaping him at what his men would be like as he had consumed much less than they had. Taking a swig of the cool water a servant had left out for him and getting ready for the day and making his way to meet with his men. He had barely sat down before yelling came from outside which caught his attention, standing up to heard towards whoever it was. He didn't recognise them, confirming they were either low in the tree or the more likely, they were just a normal soldier.

"What is the commotion about?"

Looking beyond them and he could see someone being held back by two others. Eyebrows creasing ever so slightly.

"We caught a Lannister scout, my Lord. With a little coaxing we found out he came from Lord Tywin's camp."

Then an idea struck him, a borderline idiotic one. But if he played this right it would be massively in their favour. They need to turn the tides back in their clasp and the best way to do so was to get a hostage. From these words, he knew there were two camps. Two armies to engage, meaning their forces were split. With the thought in mind, he walked over to the scout and ordered them to hold him still as he leaned in to his ear, speaking just loud enough that only the scout and the two holding him could hear.

"Tell Lord Tywin that winter is coming for him. Twenty thousand northerners marching south to see if he really does shit gold. Let him go."

The two holding him gave him confused looks but did as he ordered, letting go of him as he began running in the opposite direction.

"Call a council, now. Keep an eye on that spy to find out where he is running."

The words were loud and commanded the attention of everyone immediately. The Lord's making their way outside where it was still dark as the sun had just risen above the horizon. Just enough to bask the area in a dim glow which was amplified by the numerous lit torches. All met in a circle and were awaiting news.

"A spy was caught; the Lannister's have their army split. One is at Riverrun under the Kingslayer and the other is under Tywin but location is not disclosed yet. We have people keeping an eye on where he goes-"

"You let him go?!"

The younger stared at the older Lord again at this.

"I am a northerner, Lord Umber. My father taught what mercy was-"

"There is no mercy with war boy."

It went eerily quiet at this, something which was amplified as he walked towards him. He stood almost a head taller than he did.

"Call me a boy again."

His voice had dropped to a point he didn't even recognise it. Him very much sounding like a stranger currently. It had the desired result though as he huffed aloud and walked back to where he had been standing a moment before.

"I think it is safe to say that they are going to be relatively close to one another to enforce the other if need be. However, if we occupied both..."

Robb didn't need to continue, the Lord's immediately catching on to what he was hinting at. Some smirked openly and others began laughing. It would be risky, incredibly so, but it was the best chance they had. Plans were made for the next couple of hours and he was reporting with those who were keeping an eye on the spy who stupidly was running through open fields which gave them an advantage. But this didn't last for long as a couple of hundred horses appeared from the forest to their left. What now? At least, until he spotted the banner. No, it couldn't be. They were meant to meet up further south. What had happened? Despite these questions spinning within, a large smile momentarily came on to his face before disappearing. The man at the head came into focus now and this confirmed it.

"We were not expecting to meet you until much further south, Lord Reed."

Howland dismounted from his horse and walked over, his height making him look like a child with an old face.

"We ran in to some trouble, Lord Stark. I think you should see this."

His eyebrows creased slightly, wondering what the man was playing at. Scanning those atop the horses who were all getting off their mounts in search of his brother, but he could not see him. Until the horses parted that was, where a tall male was holding a younger male who was thrashing openly. The older having medium brown hair that looked like it hadn't been brushed never mind washed in weeks. Wearing clothing that was akin to a sailors. But then the younger looked up and realisation dawned on him. Valyrian purple meeting Stark grey.

"Jon? I thought you were supposed to be at the Wall as a sworn brother?"

Acting was not his strong point, that much was obvious. People were crowding behind as whoever was holding him wrestled him to the ground, him not recognising him in the slightest.

"I never swore the vows-"

"But we received ravens you were lost so how?"

"Simple brother. I asked to be let through so I could pray at the Weirwood just north of it. Then I made my escape. I didn't want to admit Benjen was missing so I went looking for him. At least, until this fucker caught me near Eastwatch and kept me hostage."

The older spat on the ground and for a split second he caught the colour of his eyes. Equally as bright a purple as Jon's were. Which meant only one thing. Childhood wonder seeping through his veins as he eyed who could only be Ser Arthur Dayne. He'd been made aware of this ploy, but he didn't think they were going to go ahead with it. Especially not this early.

"Let my brother go Ser-"

"I ain't no Ser. The name's Leron, I'm just a trader. Thought I'd get a head start on this new one being brokered in the Neck and of course I took some collateral whilst I was at it."

The voice had a sharp Dornish twang to it, only confirming he was who he believed he was.

"Now, I'd very much like to be brought inside brother so I can change my clothes. Or is that too bold to ask you now, Lord Stark?"

Robb had to fight the smile from coming on to his face at this but he conceded. Asking someone to ready another room for him and making his way inside. He was here, he was really here. They had been separated for almost a year now, and now entering a war together to put him on the throne and get the Lannister's off it. Making his way to the area he was sharing with his uncle and mother. The female widening her eyes momentarily at his appearance as she had not expected him to be here yet either. Once the door was closed, the act was dropped.

"You can remove that paste from your hair, Ser. I know you hate it just like I did."

The Knight cursed aloud at the small quip made before taking one of the pails of water there was and began scrubbing it from his head.

"Seven hells, it's true."

It was Brynden who spoke those words. He was staring directly at Jon, his eyes comically wide as he took him in.

"You must be Ser Brynden, it is an honour to meet you. I assume you received my raven and he has been made aware?"

Catelyn nodded before leaving the room, seemingly sensing this was a talk only for them and no one else. A loud curse escaped the man bent over the pail as he stood up and shook his head like a dog. What had previously been brown, was now jet black with streaks of silver running through it. Whether from age or from his Dayne blood, he wasn't sure.

"Why change the plan so suddenly Jaeron Targaryen?"

Jon scoffed a little at the use of his real name. He had made it abundantly clear he hated being called such by family.

"We've lost the Reach. Renly Baratheon has wed Margaery Tyrell. They were our best bet as with Dorne remaining neutral, there needed to be a major change in plans. What are the recent updates on your end, cousin."

The last word had a teasing tone to it, him clearly getting back at him for calling him Jaeron. He caught his uncle gawking at the other two now not so secretly, something he would probably be doing soon. Gods, he was in the same room as the Sword of the Morning! Bran would be furious he wasn't here to meet him. Worry ebbed deep within him as he thought about his little brother. It was a large weight to be left with a task such as running the North. With Robb travelling south with an army, it fell to Bran to hold Winterfell. Someone only eleven name-days.

"The Kingslayer has laid siege to Riverrun. That is where we are headed. We need those men."

"Aye, we do. Are you planning on taking them head on?"

"Nay. Two thousand will split and act as a garrison in case it is needed."

The lie tasted like bile in his mouth, but if he wanted his plan to work he needed to keep quiet on it. He didn't doubt Jon would command him and due to him being the King he would be declaring for; he couldn't refuse even if he wanted to.

"It has been a long time, Ser Brynden. Nineteen years I believe?"

"I believe it has, Lord Commander. Except then we were on opposite sides."

"A misfortune. Communication was sent confirming what really happened but why they were not received or confirmed I cannot say as I do not know."

This was surprisingly civil. That was the only words that came to Robb's mind as he watched the byplay. Clearly these two respected one another massively. Something that was confirmed as Arthur wanted to induct him. Or perhaps that had been Jon's idea. They had fought together and they had fought on opposite ends. Now, they were in the same room as one another.

"Where are they?"

The youngest didn't need any further information to know what he was getting at.

"In the forest. They can hide easily enough. Rhaegon not so much as his scales are so reflective but Lyrax can do the hunting for food as she blends in with the night-"

"Just don't go mounting Rhaegon again-"

"You talked me into it! I wasn't ready to do so yet-"

"Bullshit. You were ready, you said so yourself that you were trying to convince yourself otherwise as you were scared."

Jon narrowed his eyes at Arthur as he himself fought to keep in a chuckle. This disappeared though as their words sank in, turning to him in shock.

"You mounted him?! Aurane said they weren't big enough yet!"

Had the other Valyrian been lying about that? Anger beginning to seep in to him as he turned to search for him but he was stopped from the glare his brother gave him.

"I only have once, Robb and it was only a week ago. Before you ask, I didn't go far so I couldn't be seen."

His brother was a dragonrider. Yes, he was glad Bran wasn't here now as he would've been peppering non stop questions their way with barely a breath in between his words. It was only then he remembered it wasn't just them three in the room as he turned to his uncle who was slack jawed.

"Right, enough of this. What is your plan Robb and how can we help?"