Jaeron Targaryen

Dragonstone, 300AC

Arthur had told him many a time that Dragonstone was a dreary castle. So he had not expected much when he took it. Thinking to himself that people in the south called Winterfell drear, yet to him it was all he had known until he had packed up to live in Greywater Watch under the care of Lord Howland. The very place no one would think to look for him, and a perfect place for his dragons to grow.

Yet now that Dragonstone was his, he realised that there was much more to it than drear.

The black stone might look boring, but up close the walls were carved intricately. In ways that were lost in the Doom four hundred years before. Gargoyles littering every battlement and dotting above the many windows of the castle. Creatures that no longer existed such as sphinxes, griffins, wyverns, fire wyrms, and some he had never learned the name of. Dragon sculptures directly at the entrance carved with such care every individual scale was still legible alongside some Valyrian glyphs. An ancient writing style according to the books that all translations for had been lost to time.

The inside was also black everywhere he looked. Whilst there were a few pieces of colour dotted on the walls or in rooms, it was minimal. The very man that had been confined to his own quarters alongside his wife and daughter would know much more about. He didn't know what to think or feel about having Stannis Baratheon fall directly into his trap. A part of him wanted to kill him, end the Baratheon line from existence. Another part of him wanted to try and win him over to the cause because he was a respected warrior and commander- a good man to have on his side. Another part of him wanted to see him stripped of all lands and titles, being banished to the Wall or to one of the Free Cities.

But deep down, Jaeron knew he could not do so. Not himself at least. As much as he tried to deny it, they were cousins. Whilst it was a couple of generations removed, House Targaryen had so little family and true friends to count on for aid that they had to stick together. But he had made a promise, and he was not going to break his promise. Once Stannis was locked away, he had deigned to call a council. Being led by Ser Arthur into the chamber of the painted table. Fingers trailing along the carved wood in utmost wonder. Knowing that the conqueror had stood in this room with his sisters and planned their domination of Westeros was humbling.

Before the conquering, his House only had a few thousand men to call on. Mayhaps even less than House Karstark commanded in the North. A couple of allies such as the Sunglass', the Bar Emmon's, the Velaryon's. Names that boasted numerous men and women in their histories for being fierce and all of which being considered friends of his House. Donning the crown of the very man who had once stood here and with both his swords either side of his hips waiting on people to enter the room.

The first had been Ser Brynden, the man nodding his way as he flanked his other side as was expected of a Kingsguard. The second being the Maester of Dragonstone who had introduced himself as Pylos. The third being Ser Garlan Tyrell who also bowed his head. He really needed to work on forming a council he could rely on, but that could wait for a time where all sides were on board with one another. Lady Margaery followed not long after and she fluttered her eyelashes his way and he gave her a small smile in response. It was a strange thought, knowing he was betrothed to the woman now. A powerful match, one that he had made the mistake of waiting too long for beforehand, a mistake he would not make again.

They hadn't begun discussing the marriage yet, but that would be happening at some point. Jaeron would prefer a northern wedding but as she was a follower of the Seven who are One, she would likely not be amendable to such a thing. A couple of Manderly men followed afterwards whose name he knew nought, and a few men that had seemingly been taking a tally of the men that had been lost in the battle outside Kings Landing.

"Shall we begin?"

Everyone nodded their heads in acceptance, waiting on any kind of update. No one seemingly wanting to be the first to speak. A few cringing when Lyrax flew behind him visible through the open window. Rhaegon had flown towards the Dragonmont not long after he had dismounted him on the shore as Stannis arrived. He'd already promised Brienne she could have her revenge, but she wasn't the only one who wanted revenge.

"What were the losses of the battle?"

The man who had been tallying widened his eyes, not expecting to be the first one called to speak. Gulping visibly before coughing lightly into his hand and answering the question.

"Nine thousand on Lord Stannis' end, your Grace. One hundred and seventy guards outside the castle, and one thousand further out."

"A little more than ten thousand. Any notable names to be made aware of?"

"We are still identifying those who did not come back but ones we know with certainty are two Fossoway's, four Seaworth's, and Lord Monford Velaryon."

The quiet that erupted at this could've been broken by a pin. That was a name he did not expect to hear. Whilst he'd never met Monford, he'd come to know Aurane rather well. This meant Monterys was now Lord of High Tide, a young boy. He'd need a regent, and there only was one man he somewhat trusted to the position. The only thing was, it would violate the pact.

"Did anyone desert or manage to flee?"

A few more names were thrown that weren't overly important but ones to be made aware of. But one did catch his attention and he felt anger deep inside but never showing it. Of course the Greyjoy would steal a ship in the middle of a battle and flee. Well, that made the decision easier for him. His first port of call once he goes back to his own camp would be to legitimise Aurane Waters as Aurane Velaryon, see him wed to a woman worthy of him, and appoint him his nephews regent. A lot of people would take issue with such, but that was something that could be dealt with at a later date.

"What will happen to Lord Stannis?"

"I have yet to decide, Ser Garlan. All I can say is I will not kill him."

For a moment, the Tyrell's eyes flashed but it was Margaery who spoke up.

"You will not have him killed? Despite being in open rebellion against yourself, your Grace?"

"I said I will not kill him. There are people whom he has harmed more than myself and deserve to see justice themselves. As of right now, it is deciding on whom gets the honour or if he just gets sent to the Wall."

This seemed to appease them all, nodding gently to themselves. How long the meeting occurred he could not say. Many ideas were flown around, Ser Garlan even stating he just fly directly to the capital and get a surrender immediately. Something he had refused, confirming he wanted as little bloodshed as possible. Remembering the panicked looks on those in Harrenhal he had scorched. People began leaving but he asked Margaery to stay behind. If they were to be wed he'd may as well try and get to know her.

"I'm sorry about Renly, my Lady. But I can assure you, he will be avenged."

"Your Grace is very kind."

They fell into step at this, neither knowing where they were going but both seemingly thinking similarly in getting to know one another.

"Tell me, what do you think I should do regarding my cousin? It would be a sin against both the Old Gods and the Seven, yet by all other laws he deserves to be executed."

She didn't need to think for long, understanding she had a mind like her oldest brother. Something he liked in Willas well enough from when he had treated with him.

"I think you are being as just as you can be given the situation."

"I didn't ask whether you think it was just or not. We are to wed, my Lady. I would appreciate the opinion of my eventual wife."

She smiled a little his way but Jaeron didn't know if it was a sincere smile or a cunning smile. As she was a Tyrell though, he was leaning more towards the latter of the two.

"It is not the first time that a King has been faced with the predicament on dealing with someone who was in open rebellion against them. There is the option of executing them for doing so, and there is the option of being lenient and keeping them in check. The Stormland's are loyal to House Baratheon so there is a high risk of losing said Kingdom if you execute him even if duty compels you do so. At the same time, it could make you look too lenient and as a result weak."

She thought the same as he did on the matter then. It was something that would need to be decided and it would need to be decided soon. He had promised Brienne she would be the one to execute him but perhaps he could play this to his advantage. He'd discussed at length with Arthur on it and so far the only thing they agreed on was that Shireen was innocent in the whole mess that was the current political map. He'd not spoken to her yet, nor had he spoken to Selyse. If he kept Stannis alive, it would keep the Stormland's at least on his side for a time. Time to possibly win them over completely for when the time came, maybe even have Shireen wed to her bastard cousin Edric and legitimise the latter. Thus, House Baratheon still continues through both Stannis' and Robert's lines. In doing so, he'd also win over the Florent's as Edric's mother was one. Thus, appeasing Selyse somewhat alongside House Norcross but it was difficult to tell if they would accept such a thing. They were in a courtyard now, one that was high up and fully exposed to the outside. There only being hedges and a garden here. Lyrax flying down and landing gently in front of him as he reached over to pet her snout.

"How old are they? They're beautiful."

"They're almost two, definitely still babies despite their size. You can pet her, she's friendly. Mine own mount though- not so much but he'll come around."

She stepped forward a little and reached her hand out timidly, the blue dragon letting out a small huff which he could tell terrified his betrothed even if she hid it well behind a masked expression. Lyrax slowly reaching her head over to sniff but soon pressed her snout into her palm and let out a low purr in content.

"What's her name?"

"Lyrax, the other is Rhaegon. I named them after my parents not just to honour them but because of their colouring. Rhaegon is silver, red, and black. House Targaryen's colours combined with the most common hair colour with members of my house. Lyrax as you can see is dark blue and grey. Blue for winter roses which were my mothers favourite flower and grey because it is the most common eye colour with Stark's."

By now, the dragon was flat on the ground and enjoying chin tickles as Margaery chuckled at the expression.

"The writings all tell dragons won't let anyone outside of House Targaryen's touch them."

"Not necessarily. There are written records of dragons taking more than a few passengers and to do so they had to at least know them. They're smart beasts, much smarter than people give them credit for. Things may change when they get older, but for the time being I will take them being so open with new people. She does not have a rider, she seemed to bond with my uncle Aemon at the Wall, but he won't ever be able to ride her due to his age."

"Maester Aemon? He's still alive?"

He nodded at her incredulous tone. Lyrax deciding enough was enough as she beat her wings and flew towards the smoking Dragonmont in search of her brother. Walking back inside the castle as it would likely be soon food was served from the kitchens. He still needed to speak to Stannis but that could wait a little, he had to decide what to do with him first beforehand. Perhaps he could go and speak to Shireen. Like spoken, she was innocent in the mess that was Westeros currently, and she was kin to him. They did share twice great-grandparents with one another after all in Aegon the Unlikely and Betha Blackwood.

"Aye, although his eyes failed him long ago. Despite this, his mind is still as sharp as Valyrian steel."

"My grandmother should rejoice to hear it, he was almost her uncle if you didn't know."

He did. Arthur drilled everything regarding anyone who had contact with his House that he could use to his advantage long before he revealed himself. Olenna being betrothed to Daeron Targaryen- son of Aegon and Betha- but this was broken almost a decade later and she ended up wedding Luthor Tyrell and Daeron died not long after.

"When should we wed then, your Grace?"

"Not until the war ends, I'm afraid. I have a lot on my plate already filled to the brim that I am slowly working through. But I will make sure it is an extravagant affair, my Lady."

She blushed prettily at that, only noticing now her smile was a little lopsided but he found he liked that very much.

"Then you had best make sure you are hungry and can feast through the plate with ease, my King."

He tried to stop it, but he failed in doing so. A large smile breaking out on his face and chuckling under his breath.

"I have four Kingdom's, my Lady. The North, the Riverland's, the Reach, and Dorne. The Stormland's are almost in my lap meaning I have control over half of the continent currently. I will have the others bend to me eventually, but to do so I need to defeat Tywin Lannister who was last seen in Harrenhal."

"How do you know he isn't still in Harrenhal?"

"Because I attacked Harrenhal in search of the Mountain with Prince Oberyn. Lord Tywin is not the kind of person to hide during an attack. How long before he left I know nought, my Lady- "

"Margaery. Call me Margaery, your Grace. We are to wed, after all."

He smiled at this, knowing with certainty now he liked her.

"Then call me Jaeron, no more of this my King or your Grace stuff."

The next two days they spent as much time as possible together. Also beginning to plot putting a council together although he had some other positions in mind. Despite Dorne for the most part being on his side, he needed to keep them close, planning on offering Oberyn one of the positions. Would it do much? Probably not, but it was worth a shot. The only position he needn't worry over was Grand Maester as that was one chosen by the Citadel themselves, and that would not happen until he was actually on the throne. For the time being, he had to make do without.

It had not been a difficult choice in naming Ser Loras to his Kingsguard, but he had refused naming Lord Willas as his Hand. No one said it aloud, but everyone knew the Tyrell's were reaching a bit farther than they really should be. They were getting a Queen and a Kingsguard out of him. Nothing more, and nothing less. His ancestors had made similar mistakes before by having too many positions filled by a singular House, he would not make the same mistake. He was tied between Aurane and Wylis Manderly for Master of Ships which would further tie the North to him and not just in family. He'd discuss it at length at a later date though, there were much more things that needed tackled first.

Soon, the time came for him to leave Dragonstone. The Seat had been secured meaning he had a post directly under his control for when he eventually takes the capital. Which if all things go accordingly, would perhaps be within the year. The sooner this damned war is finalised, the better. Ordering the Tyrell's to head back to Highgarden to begin bringing in all other Reach House's, leaving two thousand behind to secure Dragonstone, before mounting Rhaegon with Ser Arthur and Ser Brynden back towards the Westerland's where their main camp was. Planning on moving out of said Kingdom back to the Riverland's where they would start to move south to take the other Kingdom's. The more support he has, the easier the final attack will be.

The flight didn't take as long as it did getting there due to the skies being clear. Feeling the dragon lower as they got closer to the ground before landing in the clearing they both seemed to like. Detaching the saddle and carrying it back over to a post to be stored away, Olyvar running over and carrying out the task at hand. People turned to look at him and it did not miss his gaze some appeared furious with him, wondering why that was the case. Jaeron ignored it, heading further into the camp and entering his own tent to change out of his armour. Squire helping detach the plates from his shoulders which he was thankful for even if he detested being waited on like he were a child. Aye, he was young, but he definitely was not a child. Helping himself to some ale before sending Olyvar to search for his brother and aunt. The younger made an awkward face at that which caused him to quirk an eyebrow up, silently asking why he was reacting as he was.

"Your Grace, Lady Catelyn has been imprisoned for treason."

He shot up at this, glaring at Olyvar as if it was a jape of some kind. But as he scanned his face, realised there was nothing but truth there. Heart beginning to speed up in pace as he finished the ale and left the tent in search of Robb immediately to find out what had happened. He'd left him in command of the army when he left for Dragonstone, if anyone would know, it would be him. Feeling like a little boy again constantly under the woman's scrutiny for every little thing that went wrong. Even if it was Arya stealing one of Sansa's shoes, it was him that always got the blame because of course a trueborn would never do something so outrageous as steal their siblings shoe.

But that didn't make sense. Ever since both had been told they had come to an accord with one another. Both beginning to like the others presence and giving pointers that were very much needed on either side. Remembering her words when she had come to Greywater Watch before heading to Kings Landing to speak to Varys so long ago. Family before duty, and duty before honour. No matter what. It was values he'd adopted himself now, and it had worked in his favour so far. Had she been playing him along? Somehow, he doubted that. He found Robb hunched over a map in his own tent with a few people surrounding him. Wyman Manderly, Dacey Mormont, Edmure Tully (this one surprising him, not expecting him back from his charge yet), Jonos Bracken, both Umber men, and Rickard Karstark. All snapped their heads his way when he walked in and once again, felt gazes of scorn his way. What was going on?

"Please leave me alone with my cousin, my Lord's and Lady."

Neither moved, feeling anger build up in him at the refusal of the order given.

"That was not a request, that was an order- "

"Like we will take orders from someone who goes back on a promise so easily."

That was Rickard Karstark, the man sneering his way and he had a feeling what his hatred was about. What had happened here in such a short time span? His blood was running hot within now, desperately trying to keep a straight face as he answered the Lord.

"I broke no promises, Lord Karstark- "

"You promised I would get my revenge for my sons- "

"Aye, I did. But I also promised it would not be that day, nor the day after, or the day after that. We need Ser Jaime because he is the only thing keeping Lord Tywin from openly attacking us as he will not take the insult of losing his golden heir!"

At these words, Dacey turned to Robb, then turned to Rickard. As did both Umber men in confusion. Their faces beginning to still in realisation over whatever was going on. He took a few deep breaths as he tried to make sense of the situation but deep down, he knew. Turning to Robb who shuffled just slightly. Betrayal ebbing within him now as he stepped back in shock. Breath hitching and eyes welling up in a mixture of hurt and anger but he refused to let any tears fall.

"Robb?"

The older tightened his lips slightly which was all the confirmation that was needed. Edmure was looking to his nephew in interest now, likely trying to piece it all together.

"It wasn't right, he deserved justice Jaeron- "

"And I told you to tell him he would get justice. Eventually. I left you in charge of the army, essentially King in my absence when I went to take Dragonstone and I come back to see you've went back on my words? Did you even think about what you were doing?!"

Anger flashed across Robb's face now, whether it was insult against what had happened or insult at being called out openly was difficult to tell. Pinching the bridge of his nose tightly as he desperately tried to regulate his breathing.

"What did you do?"

He did not answer. Everyone now looking towards him and putting him on the spot other than Lord Rickard. The older looking to him with such fury it was difficult not to tremble under the gaze.

"What did you do?!"

He stepped forward at this, standing directly in front of his cousin now. Not feeling ashamed of referring to him as such in his mind because brothers don't do this to one another. Hand grasping the front of his clothing and yelling.

"Answer me, Robb!"

No one cared to break the two apart, nobody knowing what to do as it became obvious they were told differently to what was true. The wind outside so loud it sounded like it was howling, feeling Ghost beside him baring his teeth towards Grey Wind who was growling lowly in his throat in response to his familiar being yelled at.

"It was the right thing to do! My bannerman is itching for vengeance for the murder of his sons and you refuse to give it to him! It's not honourable, it's not fair, and it's disgusting you were allowing Ser Jaime to remain in his face. Forcing Lord Rickard to stare at the man who murdered his sons!"

"I was planning on moving Ser Jaime to Riverrun when I got back, keep him out of his sight. I will ask again, what did you do?!"

His voice had lowered so much that it very much sounded like a growl now. Forgetting there were people in the tent watching this all occur.

"They're calling me weak!"

"I wonder why? Because you promised Lord Rickard something without my permission? You told him you would convince me to allow him to get vengeance in front of a portion of the camp before even running it by me. That is treason and it is blackmail. You got yourself into that situation, do not put the blame at my feet, Lord Stark. See this bruise on my cheek? I wonder what the men would say when they find out who gave me this bruise."

It was subtle, but Robb looked down in fright at the sheer fury coming from him now. Rolling over him like the way waves cascade over cliffs. Once it had started, it was not ending. Entire body feeling like it was boiling alive from the inside.

"What happened to you, Jaeron? I look at you and don't see my brother anymore- "

"Don't turn this on me, we are in this situation because you attempted to blackmail me to appease one bannerman. One. I have always considered you my brother even if by blood you're my cousin, but I don't know if I can do so anymore after this. Tell me, what did you do?"

How Jaeron was remaining as calm as he was despite the raging inferno within, he knew nought. Staring at the older who closed his eyes before whispering under his breath. Too quiet and too quickly to piece together what he said so he asked the question again.

"I made a promise, I am bound by oath to carry out said promise."

"You executed him."

Horror enveloped him now as he took a few steps back, everyone else coming into focus now and only realising now their yelling had attracted quite the audience. Everyone looking to Robb with disgust over what had happened. Guilt ebbing deep within as now the North had lost faith in their Lord Paramount which was not a good thing.

"He was freed beforehand."

Jaeron turned to Elissa and asked her to gather the other wargs to begin searching for Ser Jaime. They need him in their grasp because without him they were an open target. No one knew where Lord Tywin was but that was not a nice thought to have. He needed to act fast to bring order to the camp.

"Who freed Ser Jaime, does anyone know?"

Surprisingly, it was Lord Rickard who answered.

"Lady Catelyn."

That was why she'd been imprisoned. Whilst he felt anger she had freed him he knew she had a reason for it. Asking for where she was being held as he was led to a tent surrounded by Knight's and guards. All breaking apart to allow him entry. It had only been a few days since he had last seen her, but her face seemed slimmer than usual. Snapping her head up to face him as she chuckled lowly under her breath.

"I guess I am being dragged to my trial, nephew?"

He knew she was japing with him, trying to cheer up the shit situation they were currently in. Walking over and slicing the ropes tying her wrists and feet together so she was loose.

"Nay, you will tell me why you freed Ser Jaime. And where is Brienne?"

"I sent her to keep an eye on him. Better alive and free than dead."

Not much else was said after this, trying to put himself in her shoes and work out her thought process. Would he have done the same were their positions swapped? Possibly. But it was difficult to tell as he was not here to witness the lead up to everything, anger swelling once again that Robb had deliberately waited until he was gone before acting so there would be no stopping the decision. What did he expect would happen? That he would be congratulated for refusing strict orders? Right now, the last thing he wanted to do was to speak to him because now they had a massive issue within the camp.

"When we travel back to Riverrun, please leave me there. I cannot stand this any more. I need time- "

"I will gladly permit such a thing, aunt. I'll send someone to tend to you and we will move out in the next few days. I'll have a raven sent ahead to your father so he's aware."

With that, he walked back to his own tent. People were gossiping now and it was obvious word had spread throughout the entire camp. It needed to be known though. Robb had committed high treason against him. By all laws he should be executed himself for doing so but if he done so he would be a kinslayer. And no one is more cursed than a kinslayer. Stripping him of titles may not be the best thing to do either because then Bran would be Lord Paramount of the North and they would cut themselves off from the North due to Robb being betrothed to Roslin Frey. The Wall maybe? Right now, that seemed the more likely option but he needed time to think this all through thoroughly. Aurane was there when he entered as was Arthur. Both looking to him in worry as if they were terrified of what would happen now.

"Lets not talk about what has happened. We will sleep on it and decide something within the next few days. As much as it pains me to do so, I want men surrounding Robb's tent to keep an eye on him."

Both nodded lightly as Arthur barked an order to one of the guards to form a dozen men to surround his cousins tent. Looking to the silver-haired man as he had to tell him.

"Your brother perished in the battle, Aurane. I'm sorry."

His eyes widened as he stepped back a little. Looking back and forth between the two of them as if asking if they were japing. When it was obvious they were not, he lowered his head and left them alone. Wanting time to himself to take in the news which he would respect. Only then did Jaeron let the tears fall. Arthur walking over and pulling him in. What a pitiful sight, he thought. The Lord Commander allowing his King to cry on him like a babe.

"What do I do, Arthur? I can't execute him because I'll lose both the North and the Riverland's doing so. I can't strip him as we'll be cut off at the Twins. I can't exile him for similar reasons- "

He felt his arm gently move up and down his back, letting all walls break even if temporarily to get everything he was feeling out in the open.

"We'll come to a decision that works for all sides, Jaeron. But not now."

How he slept that night was lost to him. What wasn't lost to him though was that when he did wake up his head was pounding like he had drunk too much the night prior. Dried tears covering his cheeks which he cleaned away with the basin of water filled from one of the many streams nearby. Taking a few deep breaths before entering the camp again. It was ominously quiet. People looking to him with varying emotions from anger to downright fear. Trying his best to ignore this as he called a council to confirm he had succeeded in taking Dragonstone. The last thing he wanted to do currently was look at his cousin but as he is Lord Paramount of the North, he was expected to be there. Two dozen people turned up in total, refusing to look at one in particular because he knew if he did he would either lash out or break down again. Neither of which would look good in front of his men.

"It was a success; we have Dragonstone and the Tyrell's on our side. They are travelling back to Highgarden to rally the Reach Lord's to our cause."

"Lord Stannis?"

"Is a prisoner in his own castle as is his wife and daughter. Whilst I will not harm Shireen as she is a little girl and therefore innocent in this mess, I have not decided yet on what to do with my estranged cousin and his wife. All that's agreed is Stannis will die for hiring an assassin intended for his younger brother."

A few people nodded at this as pieces were placed on the map to show their current positions.

"Lord Roose is travelling with a small force towards Duskendale, your Grace. This way there are sections under you close to the capital which in theory should make it simpler to take."

Jaeron thanked who spoke because it did make sense. Personally, he would've preferred they head for Rosby as it was closer, but Duskendale had a larger population alongside a port. In turn, this may win them more ships to their cause which would be needed after the battle had destroyed much of Dragonstone's and Driftmark's fleets. This was broken as they heard yelling from the side, seeing two guards dragging Lord Rickard in front of him who was looking to him like he were nothing but vermin.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The guards were struggling as they looked to one another in confusion.

"Lord Rickard murdered Martyn and Willem Lannister, your Grace."

It went quiet at this as he asked why he had done so, the latter going on about vengeance and how it was deserved. Anger boiling within him again but this time he did control it.

"They were boys!"

"Lannister's, the less of them there are the better, boy."

"Careful, my Lord. As much as you detest me right now you did name me your King."

The look he got in response was thunderous to say the least.

"Take him elsewhere whilst I decide on what to do, council adjourned."

All but Dacey Mormont left, which he found he did not dislike the thought of. The woman was loyal, and she wasn't afraid to state what was on her mind nor did Edmure Tully who was the first to speak.

"What does this mean for Riverrun? With Tywin Lannister's son free and his nephews murdered. We all know the Lannister's pay their debts. The Riverland's will be living in fear until we retrieve Ser Jaime."

"I am aware of that, my Lord. I have sent the wargs to locate him so we can retrieve him at the soonest convenience. We will be riding out for Riverrun soon to group together and wait on the Reach joining our cause. Adequate numbers will be left behind to protect the Kingdom."

"Or you can bury them and remain silent, make them think we still have them- "

"I'm not fighting for justice if I don't serve justice to murderers in my ranks no matter how highborn they are. Lord Rickard must die."

It was Dacey who responded now.

"The Karstark's are kin to you, your Grace. You'll curse yourself if you execute him. And his men are of the North, they will not forgive the killing of their Lord. If you do this, they will abandon you, can we afford to lose four thousand men right now? I know you said the Reach is being rallied as we speak but that could take weeks, can we last these weeks without their aid?"

"They were boys, Lady Dacey- "

"And more boys will die during this war. We need to end the war soon and to do so we need as many men as possible and we need to remain united otherwise we're a target. We need Karstark men to win the war- "

"I agree with you brother."

Jaeron blinked a few times at the voice, not even realising he had remained behind nor were the two guards on either side of him. Dacey and Edmure shuffled a little bit over how tense the air seemed to get. Still, he refused to look him in the eye, knowing he would not do so for a long time without feeling betrayal deep within him.

"Jaeron's right, Dacey. The slaughter of babes is barbaric. Aye, Martyn and Willem are Lannister's but they were innocent in all of this. If we don't get vengeance for the innocent we will be seen as weaker than the opposite."

"What do you suggest, Robb?"

The words came out clipped, very much hurt over what had occurred the day prior. He didn't say anything for a long time, thinking it all through before speaking.

"I'll do it. I got us into this mess, let me help get us out of it- "

"Robb- "

"No Jaeron. On this I won't be ordered differently. Fetch a block and my sword."

"The man who passes the sentence swings the sword- "

"Then I'll pass the sentence. He is my bannerman, it is my duty to deliver justice to mine own bannermen, your Grace."

Only now did he look up at him, seeing remorse coat the elders face as he waited on confirmation to what they were about to do. Hands clasping the edge of the table so hard his knuckles were turning white but he paid no mind to this. Then he nodded, giving the authority to carry out the sentence. Neither Dacey nor Edmure said anything else, both knowing there was no room for debate on the matter. It began raining hard at this, his hair sticking to the side of his face as they created a clearing for what was going to occur. No one dared say a thing as they pushed to the front of the crowd where a block was situated right in the middle. Lord Rickard being dragged out into the middle as Robb walked over to meet them.

"The blood of the First Men flows through my veins as much as yours, boy. I fought the Mad King for your father, I fought Joffrey for you, I named a Targaryen King for you. We are kin, Stark and Karstark- "

"That did not stop you from betraying your King, my Lord. Your words won't save you now."

"I will haunt you until the end of your days."

He gulped loudly as he watched, knowing deep within it was the right thing to do but it still felt wrong.

"Kneel, my Lord."

Rickard turned to face him and glared at him before getting to his knees in front of Robb. Noticing now he was pursing his lips tightly as he misliked this just as much as he himself did. Watching as he leaned forward so his neck was directly over the thin block and refusing to fight back, wholly accepting what was about to happen. He had to give him credit because he faced death with honour.

"Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold. Here in sight of Gods and men I sentence you to die. Do you have any last words?"

He felt a hand on his back which caused him to jolt slightly before realising it was Howland. The Crannogman noticing that he needed support currently. The words leaving the Lord leaned over the block ringing loud like he were yelling into a horn.

"I curse the day I named a Targaryen as King again, and I curse you too, Lord Stark. I am ready to meet the Old Gods."

At least he was honest with his words. Robb took a step back to allow room as he drew his sword from its sheath. Placing it on the side as he took aim. Watching it rise and slice through the air before meeting flesh and bone. It only took one hit for his head to be removed from his shoulders, rolling towards his feet and eyes with no more life staring up at him with his final expression. Closing his eyes for a few moments before ordering he be prepared for transport back to Karhold to be buried in their own custom. The day came and went faster than he would've liked. Waking up the next morning to be told what Dacey had warned him would happen. The Karstark men were gone, their camp now sporting four thousand less men than it had the day prior.